Take a bow, Emil Bemstrom.
The winger hadn't scored an NHL goal since March 8th, 2020. So, naturally, he scored three tonight, all in the third period. With Bemstrom's brilliant effort, the Blue Jackets came back from a 3-0 deficit to force overtime against the Predators. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) Roman Josi scored in overtime to get the extra point for Nashville.
"I'm just happy that I scored some goals," said Bemstrom. "Unfortunately, we didn't win the game, but I think we played a pretty decent game. I'm just happy and proud of myself that I could get a hat trick in this league."
His first goal came off of a rebound, which he fired back in and beat Juuse Saros to get the Blue Jackets on the board.
"I'm not sure if he's old enough to have a beer, but I hope that's on the agenda for him tonight."– Michael Del Zotto on Emil Bemstrom's first NHL hat trick
"I handled it pretty good to be honest," said Bemstrom of his scoring drought. "I tried to push it away to be honest, and finally I'm here, to score my first three goals of the year. To be honest, this is my first hat trick (ever)."
A goal's a goal #CBJ | @bemstrom_emil pic.twitter.com/G1wJITEiAR
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) May 4, 2021
It was 3-1, but there was still a lot of time left, so Bemstrom took matters into his own hands, once again. This time, he beat Saros with a top-shelf wrister to bring the Blue Jackets within one goal.
"I saw a little net up there on the right side, and I tried to aim for it and it went in," said Bemstrom.
Bemmer again! #CBJ within one! pic.twitter.com/mbS8auyo12
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) May 4, 2021
Then, on the power play, Bemstrom completed his hat trick to tie the game up at 3-3. John Tortorella gave Bemstrom a chance on the man advantage, and the Swedish winger rewarded his coach's faith.
HAT TRICK FOR EMIL BEMSTROM AND IT'S ALL TIED UP!!!
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) May 4, 2021
3-3 #CBJ!!! pic.twitter.com/CgU2brfqmx
"I'm not sure if he's old enough to have a beer, but I hope that's on the agenda for him tonight," said Michael Del Zotto, who notched an assist on Bemstrom's first and second goals.
"If you pan the bench after he scores his goals, you'll see how much the guys are pulling for him," said Tortorella. "We haven't had many fun times this year, so that was good. I'm happy for the kid. He's been off for quite a bit with a pretty serious injury, a tough one to come back with. Even in Carolina, he played well...that line's been a good line, with Grigor, Jack, and Bemmer. Bemmer's played well."
Bemstrom will have the opportunity to stay hot as the Blue Jackets close out the year with three more games. It'll be a confidence-boosting opportunity for the young winger as he looks to finish the year with a bang.
