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CBJ GOALS: Damon Severson (2), Justin Danforth (2) CBJ ASSISTS: Sean Kuraly, Cole Sillinger, Ivan Provorov |
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The Blue Jackets are making a habit of scoring first.
They're also making a habit of finding a way to win, as they did tonight against the New York Islanders. With a 2-0 win, they're 5-1-1 when scoring first and won back-to-back games for the first time in 2024-25.
Another major development? The play of Elvis Merzlikins, who was terrific in goal en route to a 28-save shutout – the 11th of his NHL career. After losing his shutout bid late in Monday's win over the Edmonton Oilers, Merzlikins got it done tonight and it was one of his best performances in a Blue Jackets sweater.
Damon Severson's second goal of the season broke the ice 5:43 into the third period, giving the Blue Jackets a much-needed 1-0 lead.
After numerous chances to beat Semyon Varlamov (sound familiar?), a bad-angle shot with James van Riemsdyk creating chaos at the net front ricocheted off an Islanders' skate and into the net.
It felt like a weight had been lifted and the Nationwide Arena crowd had something to cheer about. The Blue Jackets, in past years, may have gotten frustrated by the inability to score, but as they've done often in the early stages of this season, they stuck with it.
Justin Danforth scored into an empty net with 2:03 left in regulation to seal the deal for Columbus.
Here's how it went down:
1st Period
A First Punch from Columbus: The Blue Jackets were the better team out of the gate, playing with good pace and a four-line attack that gave the Islanders problems early. The only thing missing was a goal. Columbus had eight shots on goal in the first period, and had 57% of 5-on-5 shot attempts and 58% of scoring chances as well. Varlamov was strong – as he always seems to be against the Blue Jackets.
2nd Period
A Counter from the Visitors: Sure, the Islanders were playing their second game in as many nights. Yes, the Blue Jackets have had a slightly favorable schedule in the early going with opponents playing the night before – but as Columbus head coach Dean Evason said Wednesday morning, these are professional athletes and the schedule should not be an excuse.
Patrick Roy's team had the better of play in the second period, pinning the Blue Jackets in their own end for long stretches and creating chances shift after shift. This is where Merzlikins was at his best, making big saves on Bo Horvat, Simon Holmstrom and Brock Nelson to keep the game 0-0.
Up Next:
The Blue Jackets are back at Nationwide Arena (yes, again) for a Friday night game against the Winnipeg Jets. Former Columbus head coach Scott Arniel, some 14 years after getting his first NHL coaching job with the Blue Jackets, has his second opportunity leading a team he's quite familiar with – and the Jets are playing really good hockey. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.
