Coming into tonight's contest, the Blue Jackets looked to end a two-game skid against the league-leading Washington Capitals. They were able to do so through a simple game plan and timely saves from goaltender, Joonas Korpisalo.
Three minutes into the game, Cam Atkinson started the night's scoring, redirecting a Gustav Nyquist pass over the shoulder of Washington goaltender, Braden Holtby. Atkinson's goal is his sixth tally of the season.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| CAPITALS | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Take that, Washington!
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 10, 2019
#CBJ pic.twitter.com/YkaxptxdTL
Ryan Murray increased the Blue Jackets' lead 8 minutes into the second period. Murray had a clean look in the slot off a precise, backhand pass from Eric Robinson.
Eric Robinson gives this on A PLATTER to Ryan Murray. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/6Z7GO3TLyI
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 10, 2019
In the third period, the Blue Jackets yielded an early goal from Alex Ovechkin to bring the score to 2-1. However, Columbus was quick to respond.
With 13 minutes remaining, Riley Nash gathered his own rebound and sent the puck on net from below the goal line. The puck careened off of Holtby's pads and into the Washington net to extend the lead to 3-1.
RILEY NASH WITH A DART!
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 10, 2019
LOOKING LIKE MIKE BOSSY!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/y70Vd8Fybm
The Blue Jackets were able to extend the lead minutes later. For the 4-1 tally, Oliver Bjorkstrand knocked a Sonny Milano pass out of the air and into the net.
The hand-eye from Bjorkstrand here is immaculate (and maybe a tad lucky).#CBJ pic.twitter.com/Nk9D2OV1Gm
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 10, 2019
Late in the third period, following a Washington score with an extra skater, Atkinson added an empty net goal to solidify a 5-2 victory.
Injury Update
Zach Werenski (shoulder) remains absent from the lineup, expected to miss up to a month. Markus Nutivaara (upper body) is practicing with the team but it is unclear when he will return.
Next Up
The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
