This isn't fun.
Saturday nights in Nashville are supposed to be a good time, but it was anything but that for the Blue Jackets as they fell 5-2 to the Predators. A nightmare third period was their undoing.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| PREDATORS | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
The Blue Jackets opened the scoring in the first period. Michael Del Zotto drove the net and Nick Foligno was there to finish on the doorstep to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.
THE CAPTAIN! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/uKXGqEGm9P
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 17, 2021
Before the period was over, the Predators struck back. Rocco Grimaldi uncorked a wrister from distance that trickled through Elvis Merzlikins to tie the game at one apiece.
The second period saw both teams push for the go-ahead goal, but Merzlikins and Juuse Saros held firm.
In the third period, a Zach Werenski turnover led to a 2-on-1 rush the other way. Filip Forsberg capitalized, and just like that, the Blue Jackets were down, 2-1. The game was far from over, however. With just over 14 minutes remaining, Alexandre Texier redirected a Liam Foudy shot to even the score at 2-2.
THE FRENCH PHENOM #CBJ pic.twitter.com/zIod3z9mNn
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 17, 2021
Then, the Predators took over. Brad Richardson scored with nine minutes remaining, Luke Kunin scored with five-and-a-half minutes left, and Colton Sissons scored a minute after Kunin to blow the Blue Jackets out of the water.
Injury Update
Mikko Koivu continues to be unavailable due to the NHL's COVID-19 protocols.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets will head to Detroit to take on the Red Wings in a Monday matinee. Puck drop is slated for 12:00 p.m. E.T.
