The Columbus Blue Jackets were looking for their third straight win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night. They were undoubtedly tired as they were playing the second night in a row and their third game in four nights.
Philly scored the only goal in the first period, but Columbus came out firing in the second, scoring two goals in the first half of the frame. Then Philly answered, scoring two more goals in the second to take a 3-2 lead into the final period.
The Flyers added a fourth goal less than three minutes into the third. Columbus pulled closer, scoring their third of the night with nine minutes to go in the game, however that wasn't enough as the Flyers buried an empty netter to seal the 5-3 victory.
Digging Deep
The Blue Jackets have already had to pull quite a few players from their AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. Less than two-and-a-half months into the season, ten players are missing from the CBJ's opening night roster, due to injuries. That is not to mention several others, such as Patrik Laine, that have missed significant time but are currently back with the team. The players have played their hearts out, but the missing talent, as well as the hampered ability for lines to gel together, have taken their toll on the team.
Young Guns On The Mark
One good thing about Columbus dealing with so many injuries is that their young players are getting valuable experience. That experience paid off in this game as both Blue Jackets' goals in the second period came from rookies.
Kirill the Thrill pic.twitter.com/0feRSU8FyD
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 21, 2022
First, Kirill Marchenko scored his third goal of the season when he redirected a shot from Eric Robinson. Then, less than three minutes later, Kent Johnson lasered a shot past the glove of Flyers' goalie Carter Hart. That was Johnson's eighth goal and 16th point of the season.
GOOD GOLLY KJ pic.twitter.com/azF0MCQAGv
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) December 21, 2022
Four In A Row For Tarasov
After having not played for two-and-a-half weeks, Tarasov played his fourth game in a row, and third in four nights. He fought hard, but fatigue was certainly a factor as he turned in a mediocre performance, allowing four goals on a .895 SV%.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets stay out on the road when they face the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night at the United Center. The puck drop is at 8:30 p.m. EST.
