When in doubt, just turn to Goose.
The second hat trick of Gus Nyquist's career – and his first with the Blue Jackets – fueled a big win for the Blue Jackets on Friday night at Nationwide Arena, a 5-2 decision over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| PENGUINS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Nyquist capped his hat trick with an empty net goal in the final minute of regulation to seal the victory.
Nick Foligno also scored twice for Columbus, which bounced back from a tough home-ice loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night.
The second hat trick of Gus Nyquists career puts this baby to bed.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 30, 2019
Good night, Pittsburgh. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/MpLj1zbNh3
And the Blue Jackets were on the front foot right from the get-go tonight.
If not for Tristan Jarry, this game could've been out of hand early on. Columbus was swarming on the forecheck, winning battles, and controlling the puck. At one point in the first period, the shot attempts count was 20-3 in favor of the Blue Jackets and somehow, it was a 1-1 after 20 minutes.
But the Blue Jackets came alive in the second period and really applied pressure, scoring three times to take a 4-1 lead into the dressing room after two periods. They bent a little early in the third period, allowing a Kris Letang goal just after a power play of their own had expired, and ran into penalty trouble (again) as they attempted to close out the game.
Joonas Korpisalo was really strong in goal for the Blue Jackets, who had some nervy moments along the way but withstood most of the pushes that came from the Penguins. The season series between the two teams is now level at one game apiece.
Injury Update
Markus Nutivaara remains of the Blue Jackets' lineup due to an upper body injury.
Next Up
Another weekend, another back-to-back for Columbus. They're off to New York to face the Islanders tomorrow night.
