Columbus Blue Jackets @ Edmonton Oilers: 1/25/23 Game Recap

 Period 1 would be highlight-worthy in the season in which the Columbus Blue Jackets have found themselves (injury galore). The speed was there, the defense was there, the goaltending was solid, and the offense wasn't far behind. Captain Boone Jenner would score his fourteenth goal this 2022-23 NHL Season at 12:25. This goal would have Adam Boqvist's eighth assist of the season and Patrik Laine's fifteenth. This would be the only goal of Period 1, giving the Blue Jackets an early 1-0 lead.  

It was meant to be a milestone night for Gus Nyquist, this game tonight marking his 700th in the NHL. Sadly, he wouldn't see the second period after a game-ending fall to the ice in that opening period. If there are any updates about him tomorrow, I'll post them to my social media accounts because I don't want his injury to be bad enough that it warrants a post. (I hold those for serious, long-term injuries, and folks, I'd be a happy blogger to not write another one until next season, at the earliest.)

Period 2 would see the Oilers get on the board twice. At 10:17, D. Ryan would score. Then, at 16:16, Z. Hyman would score. The Blue Jackets, even though they had some incredible chances, wouldn't add to their goal total this period. So, 2-1 Oliers lead after Period 2. That said, we must address that excellent stretch and glove save by Joonas Korpisalo.  Go find it on my social media pages or search it online, it's a must-see and one of the best saves this season regarding the Blue jackets, I believe.    

There's a saying, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again."  Kirill Marchenko showed in Period 3 he should make that saying part of his postgame conference.  Marchenko would add his eleventh goal of his reasonably young NHL Season, this only being his twenty-fifth career game.  The goal would come at 11:26 and have no assists.  This goal would take us to a 2-2 tie in Edmonton, and guess what? Regulation just wouldn't be enough!  This means we get a point for the second game in a row and extra hockey.  Good night, but can it get better?  On to Overtime we go, 5th Line!  

The Blue Jackets would fly in this Overtime period, knowing they couldn't waste any time against this Oilers team.  After many great chances, including one himself, Kent Johnson would end this game with a goal at 2:29!  This is goal nine of this season for Johnson!  This Overtime Goal would give Johnny Gaudreau his thirty-fourth assist this season and Erik Gudbranson his ninth.  Blue Jackets WIN and take that second point tonight, on the road in Edmonton, denying the Oilers their 7th straight win.  Wow.  

With 34 saves on 36 total Edmonton Shots on Goal, Joonas Korpisalo would be your First Star tonight!

With the Overtime Goal, winning the game, and getting the second point tonight for his team, Kent Johnson would be Star Three.  

The Blue Jackets will see if they can turn the points rolling as they head to Vancouver to play the Canucks next, this upcoming Saturday evening.  This game will start at 10:00PM our time in Columbus.  If you can't stay up for the entire game, you can catch my game recap here!  Until then, celebrate those two points responsibly and we'll talk soon 5th Line!

Go CBJ!