With some better puck luck, the Blue Jackets would be on a winning streak right now – and perhaps in a playoff spot – but for the second game in a row, they lost despite dominating possession.
After taking a tough loss on Wednesday night – despite another hefty shot differential – it looked like the tide may finally turn, thanks to a late goal from Cam Atkinson. The winger's 10th of the year electrified Nationwide Arena, as the team had finally broken through on its 35th shot of the night.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| FLYERS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Unfortunately, Sean Couturier had a different idea, winning the game for the Flyers quickly into overtime.
While they didn't match Wednesday night's absurd 57-shots, they were still plenty active offensively, notching 36 shots in tonight's game. Wayne Simmonds scored in regulation for the Flyers, while Michal Neuvirth shut down the Jackets for most of the night, frustrating the home crowd.
At least Atkinson's late goal salvaged one point.
What a play. The puck finds Atkinson and he fires it into the back of the net. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/07R1gLDVJD
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 17, 2018
This also marked the first overtime loss of the season for the Jackets, who were previously 6-0 in games ending in overtime.
Injury Update
Nothing much to report on the Ryan Murray or Sonny Milano fronts. Both players are skating with the team and appear to be inching closer to a return.
Next Up
Rivalry game imminent: the Jackets will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena on Sunday. After that, they'll take a Tuesday trip to New Jersey.
