Blue Jackets Keep The Strength Alive, But Fall In OT To Bruins After A Rough Game- 4/4/22

Yikes some fireworks in Columbus tonight for sure.  The first half of Period 1 was fairly alright.  Calls were getting made and there was very little conflict between the Bruins and Blue Jackets.  The Blue Jackets would even have a goal at 4:31, from Bemstrom, with an assist going to Voracek.  This was the calm before the storm however.  Toward the end of the first period we'd see a huge miss by the refs.  Normally I'm one of the first to remind people that the refs do their best, however this one was just a huge mistake in my mind.  Marchand would come over and into Peeke.  The hard check would result in Peeke being pushed back into the boards, whiplashed and then crashing to the ice.  He wouldn't move until a couple minutes after this play was over.  How did the play end?  A Bruins goal by DeBrusk at 18:32.  Just to add insult to injury.  Thankfully, this is just a word choice as Peeke left the ice, but did return to the game after the first intermission.  Clearly upset for such a horrible hit with not stop of play even, Voracek had some serious words with the ref, which resulted in a 10 minute penalty.  

I could go on about this, but I'll make my perspective on this hit simple, if I were the NHL this is exactly what I look for regarding fines or suspensions.  I've seen players get such for far more and for far less, however if such came down on Marchand tomorrow, I wouldn't be shocked one bit.  Personally the topic of this team getting an "enforcer" (a player who is big and equipped to fight) has been a hot one recently.  As I told Bob McEligott last week, I think this team needs call to be made more than an enforcer.  This is just my thoughts on the matter though.  This period would have a heated end and a 1-1 tie.  

Period 2 wasn't much better.  The tension was still there and the penalties flew!  From what I saw I don't think there was much 5 on 5 hockey, at all, this period.  At 7:52 Smith would score for the Bruins, this would be their first point lead of the game.  However, a Werenski goal at 19:44 would give the Blue Jackets a goal, tie the game and also a Powerplay.  Yes, the Bruins tried to get the goal reversed due to a high stick, supposedly by Voracek, and the call on the ice wasn't changed.  Good goal, next!  2-2 tie after Period 2.  Also, assists on that Werenski goal would go to Voracek and Laine.  

Period 3 had no goals at all.  However, toward the end of the period Bjorkstrand, Kuraly and Voracek had some incredible shots, they were just too wide or didn't go in.  This would lead to an Overtime, which unfortunately wouldn't last long.  Even with great back and forth game play, Bruins DeBrusk would get the puck though Merzlikins at 1:03.  So, again the Blue Jackets will get a point for Overtime, but not the win.  It's incredibly disappointing for the players, but these men fought hard tonight.  If I were Head Coach Larson I wouldn't be upset at all with my guys, they played incredible.  3-2 Bruins is your unfortunate final.

We'll say goodbye to Nick Foligno and hello to Cam Atkinson tomorrow night, as the Flyers fly into Columbus.  This game is on Bally Sports Ohio.  Puck drop is your ye-old-faithful 7:00 PM EST.  If any injuries arise from tonight's NHL meets WWE Smack Down, I'll be sure to inform you ahead of tomorrow evening.  

Go CBJ!