Columbus Blue Jackets @ Ottawa Senators: 1/3/2023 Game Recap

I've missed some games due to work, so I'm putting the game date instead of the game number in my blog titles. Beyond this, it's our first "The CBJ Writer" Blog of 2023! As many did, I also hoped tonight would be the start of something for the Blue Jackets. Period 1 would conclude with a 0-0 tie. Each team, Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators had great scoring chances. However, both Goaltenders weren't giving any forwards on the opposing team an inch. This seemed to be the start of a great game...but it would quickly turn in Period 2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

For all of Period 1, only a single Powerplay would be given, it would be against the Blue Jackets, but they would manage to kill it off. In Period 2, the Senators would gain a whopping four Powerplays and two they would capitalize on. D. Brassard would score at 2:59, and this would be the first goal and Powerplay Goal of the night for the Senators. 7:00 on the nose would bring another goal from Senators T. Stutzel.  After another few minutes, D. Batherson would score again for the Senators at 11:31, the second Powerplay goal I mentioned. The other two Powerplays the Senators gained this period would be killed off by the Blue Jackets, with much relief of the team, coaches, and 5th Line, I'm sure. Even still, a 3-0 hole is a deep one to dig out of. Nonetheless, the Blue Jackets would skate into Period 3, trying to do just that.   

It was great to see Patrik Laine back from his Covid Illness, but even he wasn't getting the puck a whole lot, which might have been the plan for this being his first game back. The Blue Jackets Offense would continue to try, but it wouldn't result in much beyond a few good chances at a goal. Eric Robinson was also lost in the early minutes of this period.  He'd returned to the locker room and wasn't seen again for the remainder of this game.  This sounds odd, but the player who stood out the most tonight is Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.  If not for his efforts, this game could've been further out of control than the 3-0 deficit it was, especially in this final period of play.  With just over 4 minutes of the game remaining, the Blue Jackets would get a Powerplay chance.  This 5 on 4 would quickly turn to a 6 on 4, but this choice would backfire as A. Watson would score the Senators 4th goal on the night at 3:19, the net void of Korpisalo, who'd been pulled for that sixth player.  This 4-0 score would hold, and the Blue Jackets would be Shutout in Ottawa tonight.  The only good news is that we play the Senators two more times this 2022-23 NHL Season, so we could still win out.  

Thursday night's game will be a happy one, regardless of the game itself.  I know that might sound shocking, but from someone who's had many family members serve in the military, Military Night is always a favorite of mine.  We will welcome the Washington Capitals to Nationwide Arena and have a fantastic night, honoring those who serve our country and hoping for a win to make that night all the better!  Remember, bring items for the USO collection, and you can get a coupon for a buy one, get one free ticket.  Look on the official Blue Jacket website to see the full details and what they need most! The puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.  If there are any updates on Robinson between now and then, I'll update you 5th Line.  Until then, Happy New Year 5th Line, and we'll talk more hockey in a couple days.  

Go CBJ!