Columbus Blue Jackets @ New York Rangers: 2024-25 NHL Season Game 46

Both teams in tonight's game had the will to win, let me start this blog by telling you that. The Jackets were looking to continue their longest win streak in seasons, while the Rangers were looking to continue their rebounding ways after a shaky start to the season. Believe it or not, this would be the first time these two teams have played each other this season. In the past, this matchup has never left you unsatisfied, and tonight was no different, 5th Line. Though the first two periods of this game the Jackets and Rangers would have amazing goalie save percentages, but not much else. Yes, that's right, going into the third period this game was a tight 0-0. I knew this game would be close, but this close? No, not at all. That said, I'm always happy to watch our guys compete and never give an inch, and they did an excellent job of that! 

The amount of game-saving stops Daniil Tarasov and Igor Shesterkin had in the final period, no, throughout this whole game, was worth the price of admission. Never mind the fact we got a point and extra hockey because this game still couldn't be decided after 60 minutes! So, still in the hunt for the first and what would now be the only goal in this game, overtime would start. After a steal off Adam Fantilli's stick, M. Zibanejad would fly up the ice but his shot would be no match for a locked-in Daniil Tarasov. The Rangers would continue their efforts after this almost goal, but the Jackets would continue to have an answer for them, and whenever we'd get the puck they'd have an answer for us. I cannot stress how tight and exciting this whole game was!  In the final seconds, it would appear as if the Rangers had our number, but Tarasov would again come up with the stop and we'd go to extra plus hockey with a shootout! Wholy pizza crust, Batman, let's go! 

Ahead of the shootout, Madison Square Garden would be the loudest I've heard it in some time, something I can say because I'll often listen to our division rivals' games if we aren't playing. Unfortunately, in the second round of the shootout, V. Trocheck would get the puck past Daniil Tarasov, and the Jackets wouldn't have an answer. The Rangers take the second point with a final of 1-0. Even with the loss we did still get a point, and the resistance of this team is not wavered. I love to see it as much as I'd love to see us start a new win streak Monday night when travel a little further in the same state to play the New York Islanders at 7:30 p.m. Now, I know there is another game that night, but don't worry, I'll have a recap for you waiting, OSU Fans!

With our now 51 points (including 1 earned tonight) we do maintain our top slot in the Wild Card race. 

Also, Congratulations to Daniil Tarasov, his performance tonight earned him the Second Star of the Game tonight. With his incredible 27 saves on the Rangers' 27 shots tonight in regulation for a perfect 1.00 save percentage, he earned it. I personally cannot wait to see him play his next game. I'm sure gaining his first NHL Shutout accompanied by a shootout loss will make him starving for his next opportunity in net. 

Go CBJ! 







  

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