Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 1/5/23 Game Recap

In Period 1, Johnny Gaudreau showed us why he's our Columbus Blue Jackets All-Star in 2023. There was just 1 goal in this period, and it belonged to him. Coming at 5:19, there would be just one assist on his goal, the third of this season for Emil Bemstrom.  1-0 after Period 1; a Blue Jackets lead.  

Unfortunately, the Capitals would make up for that scoreless period in a big way during Period 2. T. Oshie would tie the game at 1:51. Then, at 11:15, N.Aube-Kubel would give the Capitals their first lead at 2-1. The Blue Jackets would come back at 12:59 with Gavin Bayreuther's first goal of his 2022-23 NHL Season. Assists on this goal would go to Adam Boqvist, his second of the season, and Emil Bemstrom, his third of this season. The 2-2 tie wouldn't last, however, as M. Fehervary would score at 17:20. Then, at 1857, his teammate G. Hathaway would also score. This would give the Capitals a 4-2 lead over the Blue Jackets after 40 minutes of NHL Gameplay.  

Period 3 would see an early spark for the Blue Jackets as Emil Bemstrom would appear to make the score 4-3, but this goal would be challenged by the Capitals and ruled Offsides. It would be a 4-2 game until the Capitals would get a Powerplay, which they would score on thanks to T. Oshie, at 6:41. 5-2 Capitals Lead to this point. At 13:05, A. Ovechkin would then get his word in tonight, giving his Capitals team a 6-2 lead over our Blue Jackets. (The trick pass to Ovechkin so he could score was both painful and impressive, I can't lie.)  This 6-2 score would be tonight's final score in Nationwide Arena.  

There were a few goals that Elvis Merzlikins might have had a chance to stop. However, his Defense just wasn't in front of him tonight. Many pieces of such are still out, though. Zach Werenski will not return this season, and Blankenburg is in practice but has also yet to return. The Offense had a more significant spark tonight than in their 4-0 Shutout last game against the Senators, but again it wasn't the fire they needed to put out the Capitals' chill. After reaching their stride in Period 2 and our goal being called back in Period 3, the Capitals beat us. As I said the other night, though, even if there wasn't a win tonight, honoring our Military members is always a win. Thank you to all who have served or continue to serve our country on this Military Appreciation Night!  

Our next game is in Nationwide Arena on January 7th. At 4:00 PM, we will face off against the Carolina Hurricanes. This game will be yet another tall order, but it will be a huge statement if we win. All we can do is back our team and cheer them on as they figure out a way forward.  Again, it is that simple.  

Go CBJ!          




    

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