The Blue Jackets already came in with headlines surrounding their previous game against the Hurricanes that saw an oddity that didn't make a whole lot of sense. Now the team may be dealing with an oddity of a different variety after a series of benchings that are drawing a lot of news.
Despite all of that, there was still a hockey game that was played.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| HURRICANES | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
The first period was a slow beginning to the game but it nonetheless saw a Blue Jackets goal. A streaking Kevin Stenlund would go behind the net and find defenseman Scott Harrington alone in the slot. His shot would pinball off a Hurricanes player into the net. Like previous games, the Blue Jackets would have issues exiting their zone in the first period and it would continue for most of the game.
The second period was mostly all Hurricanes. One goal from Nino Niederreiter and one from Brock McGinn. Both were of the fluky variety. Sandwiched in between the two of them, Cam Atkinson would score a goal on a penalty shot while the team was shorthanded. Two players in the period Patrik Laine and Dean Kukan would be benched for the game due to perceived defensive lapses.
A SHORTHANDED PENALTY SHOT GOAL. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/DsLuANsk6W
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 9, 2021
Most of the third period was spent looking for Kukan and Laine out on the ice. Neither would see time in the third period when the team was looking for an offensive spark. Columbus kid Jack Roslovic on the other hand would put the team on his back and ensure that the team would come out with a win. The goal wasn't just good; it was absolutely special as he split two defenders and slid the puck five-hole.
MR. ROSLOVIC. HOW DO YOU DO. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/vPeJBdDvTe
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 9, 2021
Regardless of what you think about the outcome, now all of the attention has been turned to John Tortorella and how he has handled another star player. It is another in a long line of decisions that don't make a lot of sense. If accountability is preached, why is it so selectively doled out?
Injury Update
Goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins and Matiss Kivlenieks are sidelined with upper-body injuries. Defenseman Zach Werenski is out with a lower-body injury.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets will face the Chicago Blackhawks on the road at the United Center on Thursday, February 11 at 8 PM EST.
