The Columbus Blue Jackets were back at it Monday night in Nationwide Arena, looking to avoid losing to the Boston Bruins for the second time in three days, on the back end of their home-and-home. Columbus went into the game down 2-0 on the season after falling 5-2 on Saturday.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRUINS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
The Jackets drew first blood as Emil Bemstrom netted his fifth goal of the season and second in three games, just four-and-a-half minutes into the contest. Jakub Voracek picked up his team-leading 45th assist of the season on that goal.
From that point on, there was a lot of back-and-forth with no scoring, and it looked as if Columbus might escape the first period with a lead. However, with just a minute and 30 seconds left in the period, after a controversial no-call on a Brad Marschand hit to Andrew Peeke's head, Jake Debrusk got the puck on a breakaway and beat Merzlikins to tie it up 1-1 going into the second.
The Bruins took their first lead of the game, opening up scoring in the second period as Craig Smith sunk a line drive shot into the net off a feed from Charlie Mcavoy (his second assist of the game). This time it was Boston that looked like it was going to get out of the period with a lead as they held it all the way until 15 seconds left, when Zach Werenski put it top shelf, past Bruin's goalie Linus Ullmark's glove, off a beautiful pass through traffic from Voracek. Patrik Laine also picked up an assist on that goal.
The third period started and ended with both teams deadlocked 2-2. There was plenty of action, but neither team was able to find the net, sending the game into overtime for the second time in the three games between Boston and Columbus this year.
Merzlikins had a good game, saving 34 of 37 shots, but was once again unable to stop Debrusk from scoring as the Boston forward potted his second of the night to close out the game in overtime, with the Blue Jackets picking up a point but falling once again to Bruins.
Next Up:
The Blue Jackets head out to Philadelphia on Tuesday Night to start another home-and-home series, this time with the Flyers. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. EST
