The Jackets last trip to Pittsburgh left both teams sore and bruised, combining for 63 penalty minutes in a shootout win for the Penguins. The return trip for the Jackets wasn't quite as chippy, but it was just as dramatic.
Another overtime period. An overturned, would-be overtime winner. Pandemonium at PPG Paints Arena.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| PENGUINS | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 5 |
In the end, the result was the same as the last one in that building – a shootout loss for the Jackets.
Shootouts are rough business when facing a team that can throw Malkin, Crosby and Kessel out there – a lesson the Jackets have learned twice in the past week.
A third period collapse ruined what was a great start for the Jackets. Despite missing five key players, they stood tall early. Two slumping players – Boone Jenner and Sonny Milano – were thrust into more important roles, and both responded with early goals to give the Jackets a 2-0 lead in the game's first frame.
The second period largely belonged to the Penguins, though. Pittsburgh outshot the Jackets 16-7 in that period – and got a goal from Conor Sheary, but Artemi Panarin answered back with a highlight reel goal of his own.
Another angle to appreciate.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 28, 2017
This one was a laser. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/bFx12pB42G
The third period brought a similar story. Penguins push, get a goal, Panarin restores the two-goal lead minutes later.
Picking up all of the leftovers like any good Bread would.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/CmWVPu0Mia
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 28, 2017
Panarin wasn't the only Russian who stepped up tonight, though. Unfortunately for the Jackets, Evgeni Malkin went beast mode in the third period, with a goal and two assists to pull the Pens even.
That's when an already-crazy game completely jumped the shark.
Sidney Crosby scored almost right away in the overtime period. The Penguins celebrated. The fans cheered. Players headed down the tunnel. John Tortorella had other ideas.
One successful challenge later, the Jackets had new life. It didn't matter – Malkin and Crosby scored in the shootout and the Jackets come away with a single point for their efforts.
All told, it was another classic between these two rivals, but another disappointing result for the Jackets. Still, given the injuries, they'll take that point and hope to be better next time.
Injury Update
Zach Werenski skated with the team today, and could return soon. Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson are both out for about four weeks, and Brandon Dubinsky will be out a bit longer than that, in all likelihood. Ryan Murray is still listed as day-to-day, but there's not much news on that front.
Next Up
The Jackets will head to Ottawa ahead of a Friday matchup with the lowly Senators. After that, Columbus returns home for a New Year's Eve soiree with the lethal Tampa Bay Lightning.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
