The Columbus Blue Jackets would fall to the Detroit Red Wings, 3-2 in overtime. It was a back and forth game but not one that was ever really controlled by the away Blue Jackets.
After a head-scratching two-game series against the Predators, it isn't immediately clear if this Blue Jackets squad can put together solid performances on a nightly basis.
First Domi Points
After playing sparingly in the first game of the season, forward Max Domi is hopefully beginning to find his footing. Domi got his first point of the season on a Boone Jenner goal that would open up the scoring.
After multiple games where his possession was sub-par, Domi would be a factor for the first time this season. And while that possession is still low, his counting stats seem to be making an impact. He is seeing more ice and with it, putting more shots on goal.
BOONE, BABY. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/cAkTZR7U87
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 20, 2021
Having him be a factor is the key to the Blue Jackets having a productive season. A middling season likely means they are finishing toward the bottom half of the division.
Foudy's First Regular Season Goal
Although still very young, it feels like forward Liam Foudy has been on the Columbus Blue Jackets for a very long time. It also could be that a worldwide pandemic has completely warped my perception of time.
Regardless, Foudy scored his first regular-season goal for the Blue Jackets and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. The team needs scoring wherever they can get it and looking to their younger players is going to be a tough but needed strategy.
TEXIER OR FOUDY, DOESN'T MATTER. TIE GAME. pic.twitter.com/NVxAp6Bhsr
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 20, 2021
This will be the first of many for Foudy and if his early play from this season is any indication, he should score a (few) more this season.
Overtime Sadness
Within the first fifteen seconds of overtime, a puck would go in off of Tyler Bertuzzi and it would end the game. The game was a series of bad bounces or different situations going against the Blue Jackets. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins was unable to see the puck for large stretches of the game causing many pucks to go past him but were drawing iron.
A point was acquired by going to overtime but it isn't a great sign that the Blue Jackets are having to eek out points against a Detroit Red Wings team that is expected to be a cellar dweller in their division this season.
