New York Islanders @ Columbus Blue Jackets: 2024-25 NHL Season Game 9

After a narrow loss last night, I expected the Islanders to come out ready for a win. On the flip side, after a dominant 6-1 win over the Maple Leafs Monday night, I expected the same from the Blue Jackets, especially when playing at home in Nationwide Arena. My expectations were met! Both Elvis Merzlikins and Semyon Varlamov had some incredible saves throughout the game. The teams played a clean game with no penalties until midway through the second period. Of course, that penalty was against the Blue Jackets, but the penalty kill did their job and prevented an Islanders goal. An almost goal was scored in the second period too, by Damon Severson, but it was called back due to goaltender interference because of James van Riemsdyk sliding into the goalie's blue paint. Stunningly, through two periods of hockey, this game was still tied at 0-0, but period three would change all of that, and in the Jackets' favor, too!

At 5:43, Damon Severson would get his goal back from period two, and this one would stand as the first goal of the game and his second of the season. Sean Kuraly would also notch his second assist this season with the primary assist and Kevin Labano would add his fifth assist with the secondary. Justin Danforth would then seal the deal after the Islanders elected for an empty net for an extra man on the ice at 17:57. This is his second goal of the season and, as I said when he scored his first, it's so good to have him back at full force after that wrist injury that ended his 2023-24 NHL Season! Cole Sillinger added his sixth assist with the primary assist on this goal while Ivan Provorov added his third with the secondary. The final seconds would tick off, and the Blue Jackets would close out the Islanders shutout, winning 2-0! Elvis Merzlikins gets the shutout he was robbed of on Monday, and also his second win in net in a row! What a night!  

The Second Star tonight was Damon Severson for getting the go-ahead goal early in the third period!

The First Star tonight was Elvis Merzlikins who went 28/28 in net with a perfect 1.00 save percentage!

The Blue Jackets will need to ride the high of these past two wins as they face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday because even at home the best team in the league right now will pose quite a challenge. That said, I can't wait to see how we play because if we do as we have been, I think we can give the Jets a challenge of our own. We'll find out if I'm right on Friday night when the puck drops at 7:00 p.m. 

Have a happy Halloween, 5th Line! 




 

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