Colorado Avalanche @ Columbus Blue Jackets In Finland: 2022-23 NHL Season Game 12 Recap

Before we get into the Game Recap tonight, I have to say one great thing which did happen today: The return of Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.  His season ended early in 2021-22, due to a hip issue require ring surgery, which he could no longer play though.  Today wasn't just special for it being his first game back since this surgery however, on top of that fact this game took place in his home country of Finland.  A memorable start to the 2022-23 NHL Season for him, no doubt.  Welcome back, Korpi.  

Period 1 would be quite even.  Everyone seemed to be buzzing for both the Avalanche and the Blue Jackets.  The score after 20 minutes would reflect this nicely.  Goal 1 of this game would come from the Avalanche, by way of A. Lehkonen, just 0:33 into the game.  The Blue Jackets would do their job however, keeping the Avalanche out of their net thereafter.  Better yet, they would match that Avalanche goal as well.  Captain Boone Jenner would score his second this season and first in Finland.  Zach Werenski and Jacub Voracek.  This period would end, as I hinted above, with a 1-1 tie.  However, the wheels would fall off the bus and go missing after.

Period 2 would see 3 goals, all from the Avalanche.  M. Kurt at 1:22. L. O'Connor at 4:13. D. Toews at 4:50.  

Period 3 wouldn't go much better.  At 1:36 the final goal of this Game 2, Global Series double header would come from A. Newhook.   The final score would be an Avalanche Win, 5-1.

So, the Blue Jackets finish this two-game 2022 NHL Global Series without a win.  It's far from what even I'd hoped for after the Devils game, where we lost 7-1, last Sunday.  It was amazing to see Korpisalo start his first game of the season, in his home country.  Watching Laine score in his hometown was just as epic, especially when you remember that's his first goal back since his elbow sprain, suffered in Game 1 of this season.  The Blue Jackets got a Power Play goal, finally!  Also, I know it isn't a win, but the Blue Jackets did give the Avalanche a challenge.  Again, let's not forget that this isn't just any NHL Team, it isn't even a Play Off team, this is the team which won the 2022 Stanley Cup.  That's truly as tall an order as you can get.  

With that being said, something does need to change. In my mind, two things actually.  First, I think Larson needs to stop changing lines.  Now, if someone is injured, then by all means fill that spot.  However, coming back from Period 3 with different lines all together, it's putting more pressure on the players.  They know that it's make or break, and now they're on a line with guys they don't typically play with.  Any opponent would be out of their hockey mind to not take advantage, using such desperation to find something which works, against us.  

My second critique, if a player has a chance, SHOOT THE PUCK!  I get being a team, but the passing, passing, passing...passing and passing needs to end.  If you have a chance, take the shot.  Worse case you miss, best case you score and give your team a point and moral boost, aka a win-win (which could result in a win period).  

With Finland sadly behind us, in a blink of an eye, it's back to North Ameria and Game 13 of the 2022-23 NHL Season.  John Tortorella, "Torts", returns to Nationwide Arena.  He'll be bringing his Philidelphia Flyers, with former Blue Jackets favorite Cam Atkinson.  It will be an interesting night, with a puck drop at 7:00 PM.  

Until then, check back to my social media pages for updates!

Go CBJ!  

Also, thank you to Finland as a whole country for being incredible hosts to our Blue Jackets!