New York Rangers @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 1/16/23 Game Recap

Tonight didn't start at home as many had hoped after the huge weekend win, on the road, at the Detroit Red Wings. Period 1 would result in 2 goals, and both would favor the New York Rangers. The first would come from M. Zibanejad at 12:39. The second goal would come from B. Goodrow at 19:02. That second goal by B. Goodrow would be a Powerplay goal. The Rangers had three chances on it this period alone, and only one goal was scored, well, it's nothing short of a miracle; a miracle named Elvis Merzlikins. Yes, two got through, but as has been the case many times this season, the opponent's lead could've been far higher without some masterclass saves. For the record of saying so, we had two chances on the Powerplay, and both, clearly, didn't result in a score. Moving on to Period 2. 

This second period would hold just one goal, which wouldn't be in our favor. V. Kravtov would score at 11:47, and although both teams would get an additional Powerplay this period, that goal from Kravttor would not be on their Powerplay, and, again, ours would result in no score. This would give the Rangers a 3-0 lead over us going into Period 3.  

Going into this final period of regulation, the main advantage for the Blue Jackets is that we had nearly two minutes left on a Powerplay carried over from the second. Unfortunately, a penalty within seconds of the puck drop would result in two minutes for Boqvist, ending that Powerplay for us. The 4 on 4 would result in an unexpected goal for us! Andrew Peeke would find the back of the Rangers' net, giving us a bit of momentum and at least preventing a home shutout. Peeke's goal would come at 1:21 and be his fourth of the season. Gus Nyquist would snatch his eleventh assist this season, while Jack Roslovic would tack on number twenty. The score would now be 3-1 Rangers. Unfortunately, even with some more amazing saves by Merzlikins and an incredible push, the clock would strike 0:00 with that same 3-1 score, giving the Rangers 2 points and a victory.  

The Blue Jackets would have 23 shorts on the Rangers net, while the Rangers would have a whopping 33 on ours. This means Merzlikins went 30 for 33 tonight. All four of our chances on the Powerplay would end the same way, without a score. The Powerplay kill for our team would dismiss four of the five Rangers chances. Our hits were 21 to their 13, and our blocks were 21 to their 11. As I've said a lot this season, if the offense, defense, and goalie are all on point, this team is unstoppable; unfortunately, if one of those is off, the remaining team just can't do everything alone, and the domino effect toward a loss is typically the outcome. You all know it's sad but, again, generally true.  

The good news is that the loss tonight will have little time to settle in. The Blue Jackets will prepare to leave shortly as they play in Nashville, at the Predators, tomorrow evening at 8:00 PM. We'll see if they can win on the road like they did Saturday evening again. Good luck to the team, and I'll have another recap for you shortly after that game tomorrow evening.  

Go CBJ!