Blue Jackets BEAT Oilers At Home 5-2! 4/24/22

It was a fun Kids Takeover today at Nationwide Arena.  You could get a Sean Kuraly growth chart, meet Rick Nash and listen to fellow kids be involved in the game.  This is such a cute idea and it's nice to see the Columbus Blue Jackets bring hockey to the next generation.  Now, to the main event, the game!  

For Kids Takeover the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted the Edmonton Oilers.  The Oilers would have the first goa, early into the game, at 3:08.  This goal would come from Kane.  This lead would last until 15:58 when Robinson would score for the home team!  First assist would go to Voracek, number 52 for him this season.  The second assist?  Blankenburg has his second point in his young NHL career.  After Period 1 we'd have a tied game 1-1. 

Period 2 we'd see only one goal and unfortunately, it would be one in favor of the Oilers.  It would come at 5:30 by way of Draisaitl.  This would give the Oilers a 2-1 lead going into Period 3.  

This Period would be a memorable one for a specific Blue Jacket, more on that in a minute.  First, we have to talk about Bjorkstrand's goal which tied the game for the Blue Jackets!  He'd score it at just 1:36 into the period.  Assists to Sillinger and Nyquist.  Then, comes the moment that I've been waiting for.  Nick Blankenburg would find the net at 9:14 this period!  This marks his 1st NHL Goal and his second point in this game alone.  His current total is 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 games.  Well done for him!  Assists on this goal go to Bjorkstrand and Voracek.  This goal gives Bjorkstrand 2 points this game, 1 goal and 1 assist.  Also, it gives Voracek 2 points this game also, with 2 assists.  What an afternoon!  Want some more icing for that CBJ Cake?  16:45 would see another Blue Jackets goal from Roslovic.  Hello number 21!  He's been on fire lately and that fire keeps roaring today!  Voracek would pick up his third assist today on this goal, while Nyquist would pick up his second today.  4-2 Columbus Blue Jackets at this point.  So, how about a Sillinger cherry on top of that cake?  His empty net goal would come at 19:13.  Bjorkstrand would get another assist, bringing his point total to 3 for this game alone!  Also, a 2 point game for Sillinger, with an assist and then this goal.  5-2 is your final over a very strong, playoff contender, Edmonton Oilers team.  

It's games like this which make me say just wait till next season.  We're without Jenner, Werenski, Laine and others, but look at this game today!  This team can do it and I feel in no time even the doubters will see such, too.  Goaltending, Merzlikins had 35 total shot attempts on his net, he said no way to 33 of them.  Everyone meshed today and that's a bright spot for this teams future.  Well done guys!  

Next game is Tuesday and we go face the Lightning in Florida!  If this team can carry over this momentum, I can't wait to see how they handle the challenge that is the reigning 2 time Stanley Cup winners.  Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST.  Can't wait!  Finally, your 3 stars tonight are as follows:  

Third:  Voracek

Second:  Merzlikins

First:  Blankenburg!  

GO CBJ!  

  

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