What a game for the hometown kid.
The Columbus Blue Jackets met the Philadelphia Flyers for the second of three games this season at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
It was also the first of a home-and-home between the two teams.
Carson Meyer picked up his first two points in only his second career NHL game and the penalty kill came up strong for the Columbus Blue Jackets in their 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, snapping a seven-game skid.
Meyer's first on a multipoint night
The Powell, Ohio native had himself a night in Philadelphia picking up two points including his first NHL goal in 9:10 of ice time.
Brendan Gaunce netted the first Blue Jackets goal of the night to give Columbus a 1-0 lead at the 2:38 mark. Carson Meyer picked up one of the two assists for his first NHL point.
Then at the 13:23 mark, Meyer picked up his second point on the night, and of his career, when he put the puck in the back of the net for his first career NHL goal and a 2-0 Columbus lead.
In just his second career NHL game, Carson Meyer scores his first goal! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Wpq5j1WOtB
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) April 5, 2022
"Something you remember forever, seeing the puck cross the line, pretty awesome feeling," Meyer said. "Feels great to win, always does."
He explained that not having his family and friends in attendance likely calmed his nerves, but that he had plenty last night in their home game against the Bruins.
"They got the puck for him, got the assist, then got the goal," Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen said. "I'm happy for him."
Penalty kill comes up strong
The Blue Jackets found their way to the penalty box four times spending a total of eight minutes in the box.
First, it was Sean Kuraly going off at the 9:39 mark in the first for tripping Travis Sanheim. Then at the 15:03 mark, Vladislav Gavrikov went off for holding the stick against Owen Tippett.
In the second period at the 3:42 mark, Eric Robinson sat for slashing Morgan Frost. At the 7:17 mark of the third period, Patrik Laine took a seat in the box for high-sticking Kevin Hayes.
But Columbus was able to hang on, defend their zone each time, and prevent a Flyers power play goal on each of the kills.
Goalie Elvis Merzlikins helped big-time standing tall in the crease stopping 47 of 49 shots, including nine shots while short-handed.
"He stood to the challenge, this is great for him," Larsen said.
Season series and look ahead to Thursday night's matchup
The Blue Jackets sit one spot in front of Philadelphia in the Metropolitan Division standings with 72 points after tonight's victory. The first matchup between the two foes took place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on January 20th with the Blue Jackets escaping 2-1.
Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Columbus took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-2 victory. The third and final matchup of the season series is Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.
