The Columbus Blue Jackets were hungry on Tuesday night as they were still looking for their first win of the season. They were facing a team who was also winless, the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver got out to a fast start as they went up 2-0 just over halfway through the first period. The Canucks secured a two-point lead for the fourth time in four games, having failed to hold onto the lead and secure the win in the previous three games. The Blue Jackets were hoping to repeat history as they worked to fight their way back into the game.
They were able to get a goal in the second and went into the last period down 2-1. The middle of the third period featured a flurry of goals as two of the Blue Jackets' biggest stars - Johhny Gaudreau and Zach Werenski each had a goal as the Blue Jackets found themselves tied 3-3 with nine minutes to go.
The game headed to overtime where the Blue Jackets won it 4-3.
Johnny Hockey was feeling the love at Nationwide Arena tonight #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Y6D0Qhqiwr
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) October 19, 2022
Merzlikin's Rough Start
Merzlikins was looking to get off to a fast start as he was trying to put the last game, against the St. Louis Blues, behind him. He let up five goals in only 25 shots in that one, and it was more of the same to begin the night against the Canucks.
The Latvian goaltender let up his first goal less than halfway through the first period then gave up a second just three and a half minutes later. He let up those two goals on just seven shots. The defense didn't do him any favors, but he certainly didn't perform the way he had hoped.
He seemed to settle in as he stopped the next 11 shots and didn't allow any more goals through the end of the second. He did allow a goal in the third but was able to hang on long enough for the club to pick up the win in overtime.
Blankenburg's Debut
Nick Blankenburg has come a long way from being an undrafted free agent. He was signed late last season along with his college teammate Kent Johnson, and he was given an opportunity to play several games at the end of the season. Blankenburg is a hard-hitting physical defenseman who also happens to be undersized, coming in at 5-9.
here comes the blankenBOOM pic.twitter.com/2rVeMweMdA
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 18, 2022
Due to his stature, he has had to fight for everything he has gotten, including his ice time this season. He made the team but has been the seventh defender, up until Tuesday night when he was finally given the opportunity to start the game as a linemate to Eric Gudbranson.
He made the most of his opportunity, flying around the ice and often using his body as a projectile aimed at taking out the opposing players. He led all skaters with five hits.
He also got involved on the offensive side of the ice, putting up four shots on goal.
Danforth's First
With just three minutes to go in the second period and with his team down two points, Justin Danforth scored his first goal of the season. Yegor Chinakhov and Vladislav Gavrikov had their first assists on the season as well. The 29-year-old is continuing to impress in just his second season in the NHL as he now has two points in four games.
#CBJ is on the board! pic.twitter.com/IoT7bH9zby
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) October 19, 2022
P.S.
Five Blue Jackets picked up their first multipoint games of the season. Including Gaudreau and Gavrikov who both had a goal and an assist.
NEXT UP
The Blue Jackets stay home as they take on the Nashville Predators at Nationwide Arena on Thursday. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. EST
