Tampa Bay Lightning @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 2/10/24 Game Recap

The 2024 NHL All-Star Break is in the past, but it's undoubtedly one we will remember. Boone Jenner had a goal in the qualifier game and one in the final for Team McDavid. Sadly, Team McDavid did lose to Team Mathews. It was amazing to watch our captain represent Columbus so well. 

Tonight begins the runaway train to the 2024 Trade Deadline on March 8th and the conclusion of this 2023-24 NHL Season. The visiting Tampa Bay Lightning have had a rough time since they returned from the All-Star break, losing a star on their defense to a broken leg. It's unclear how long Mikhail Sergachev will miss, but it's been clear how much he means to this team over their last two game losses. 

With all those facts laid out, the Lightning seemed to find a way without him tonight, as Nicholas Paul would score at 15:40 in period one. Then, Anthony Cirelli would pop one into the back of our net just seconds into the second period at 0:49. This quick scoring would continue in period three as Stevan Stankos would add a third goal at 0:23. Two of these three goals, the first from Nicholas Paul and third from Stevan Stankos would both be on the powerplay. The first would be a double minor against Kent Johnson in the first period. At the same time, the Stamkos goal would come from a check penalty against Damon Severson, which escalated into a fight between Darren Raddysh and himself. So, aside from goals, there were plenty of fireworks to be had in this game. 

With just over eight to go, the fireworks would continue as another fight would break out. This time, Ivan Proverov would leave the ice bleeding from the face above his left eye. Michael Eyssimont would get double two-minute minors for roughing, and they were justified. Ivan Proverov would also get double two-minors, one for a cross-check and one for roughing against Eyssimont. After all of this, a spark would light the CBJ cannon. Boone Jenner would bang home number fourteen at 12:23, giving assist number twenty-six to Johnny Gaudreau and number twenty-eight to Zach Werenski. Then, Boone Jenner would do it again, scoring number fifteen at 15:50. Another assist for Johnny Gaudreau takes him to twenty-seven, and Kirill Marchenko number eleven. Unfortunately, a tying goal would elude the Jackets, and Lighting's Brandon Hagel would wrap with an empty net goal at 19:12. So, after a slow start and an electric surge, the Blue Jackets would lose this game 4-2. What a night for Jenner to remind those critical of his election to the All-Star Game why he was chosen, though. 

Ahead for the Blue Jackets is another road trip to Canada. On Tuesday, we'll play former Jacket Joonas Korpisalo and his Ottawa Senators at 7:00 P.M. 

Go CBJ!