All games are "must-win" games in the NHL. This was one of them for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It felt a little more pressing, though, with Columbus not having won a game in two straight weeks. This was halted thanks to a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday night.
Goaltending was supreme for the Blue Jackets, and they had an unlikely face net his first goal in his NHL career. Let's dive in more in tonight's Three Things.
Streak Snapped
The Blue Jackets have finally put to death their five-game losing streak, their longest period without a win dating back to last February. The bleeding has stopped, and the club now sits in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division with 16 points in 15 games.
JUMP. HUG.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/zKDPYfr9dD
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 8, 2019
The first two victories Columbus had following that losing streak last season? The Coyotes, and the Colorado Avalanche, who they get a crack at tomorrow night. Place your bets now, folks.
Bemstrom Pots His First
Emil Bemstrom, a prized point-getter in the SHL last season, has at long last earned the first NHL goal of his career. It came at a crucial time as well, on the power play to tie the game at two against the Coyotes with two minutes remaining in the second period.
OK BEMMER!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/9QhCmPqLGq
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 8, 2019
After 22 shots on goal, Bemstrom finally netted one and has 1-2-3 through his first 16 games of the season. Here's to hoping the young Swede can start to find the back of the net more often now that he's got the monkey off his back.
Korpi-Solid
Joonas Korpisalo has had a good-not-great start to the 2019-2020 season, but tonight was a great one. Korpisalo had 31 saves on 33 shots and stopped too humongous breakaway attempts by Michael Grabner of the Coyotes.
But then Grabner jumps on the #CBJ turnover and creates his own breakaway.
— Alison (@AlisonL) November 8, 2019
Another big stop for Korpisalo pic.twitter.com/Wsyo7f2mJv
Korpisalo had a .939 save percentage on the night, and played a big role in killing off four penalties from his club, including one in the final two minutes.
