6-4 Final @ Ducks For Blue Jackets After Incredible Comeback- 4/17/22

 Period 1 would be a hard one to swallow for Columbus Blue Jackets fans, no doubt.  Just minutes in Werenski would take a hit, leave for the locker room and not be seen again in this game, sadly.  This was after we found out just minutes before puck drop that the team would also be without Patrik Laine.  So, not a great start regarding a loss of players.  Goals against the Blue Jackets in this period would add insult to injury, literally.  At 3:17 Terry would score for the Ducks and open the goal scoring.  After this we'd see a nice goal from Bean, which would tie this game at 1-1.  This goal at 4:07 would have 2 assist, one for Roslovic and one for Gavrikov.  This tie would not last long however.  At 4:53 Terry would score again, making the score 2-1 in favor of the Ducks.  Then, at 7:42, Mayhew would then score for the Ducks also.  This would give them a 3-1 lead going into the second period.  Now, this wasn't the best period, I'll admit that, but if you turned off this game I feel sorry you missed Period 2.  

It was a nice change of pace in this second period.  The Ducks wouldn't score at all!  Instead, we'd see another goal by Bean at just 1:34 in.  Only 1 assist on this goal and that went to Boqvist.  At 10:52 Kuraly would then score goal 2 in as many days!  2 assist here again, first to Robinson and second to Danforth.  2 goals in this period for the Blue Jackets and none for the Ducks would take us to a 3-3 tie.  

So if Period 1 belonged to the Ducks and Period 2 belonged to the Blue Jackets, it's only right if Period 3 is the final battle to be won tonight, right?  The Ducks would come out swinging, with a goal from Zegras at 1:03.  This was followed by another Ducks goal at 3:28 by Fowler.  Again, you should never turn off a Blue Jackets game.  Why?  Even with a 5-3 Ducks lead this game was far from over.  At 7:22 Sillinger would find the Ducks net, making the score 5-4!  Another 2 assists for Blue Jackets, first going to Voracek and second to Nyquist.  So, we're spreading the point love tonight, again.  Sadly, at 19:04 the Blue Jackets would pull Berube and score by way of Grant.  6-4 would be your final, but you can't deny the incredible comeback for this Blue Jackets team in Period 2.  

Again, no win but being without Laine and Werenski, while Merzlikins was granted a reasonable break tonight, it was a well played game.  Berube took some time to center himself, a few goals he missed just due to not being able to see through his own defense.  Things happen and at this point I won't say any more than that, not when this team is out of the playoffs but still pushing like they aren't.  Finish strong and start next season stronger, that's what I believe and will say to you 5th Line from here on.

A Playoff note to pass on as well.  Tonight, the Maple Leafs beat the Islanders 4-2.  With this loss the Islanders could not catch the Capitals, meaning the Capitals have captured the final East Playoff spot for the 2022 Stanley Cup.  This means the Metropolitan Division will be representeed by, in order:

Carolina Hurricanes

New York Rangers

Pittsburg Penguins

Washington Capitals

In that regard...well we can root for Max Domi and Artemi Panarin, right?  Further, in the East and West we have plenty of Blue Jackets to watch.  In the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2022 I'll be doing just that for you all.  The Blue Jackets may be sadly out, but had an amazing season.  However, we have so many guys sprinkled throughout the league, the odds are good we could see at least one player hoist that trophy!  

Back to our guys.  We'll see them play at the Sharks on Tuesday.  Puck drop is another late night, 10:30 PM EST, due to the time zone in San Jose.  With Laine, Werenski and other updates be sure you check my blog often for updates.  Hopefully they are promising.  

Go CBJ!