Blue Jackets Shine Early, Penguins Come Back to Earn Win
The Columbus Blue Jackets played a wild game on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In the game’s opening period, the hometown Blue Jackets brought pressure early and often, notching the first 12 shots of the game. Columbus was rewarded for its effort when it scored its first goal of the game prior to the Pens launching any shots on goal.
That 1-0 lead turned into a 2-0 Jackets advantage later in the period. In the first 20 minutes, the Blue Jackets outshot the Penguins 17-7.
The Blue Jackets started strong, but the Penguins would not be stopped.
Despite all of the momentum going in the Jackets’ favor, the Pens came out with purpose in period number two, returning the favor in the shots department by outgunning Columbus 16-6.
As a result of the Pittsburgh onslaught, the Penguins overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to tie the game at three goals apiece heading into the final frame.
Once again, the Blue Jackets were no match for the Penguins, as Pittsburgh outscored Columbus 3-0 in the final period, escaping from Ohio’s capital with two points.
For the Blue Jackets, this was a tale of two games, and the team will be left feeling let down given the way that it started. With that said, it was an encouraging contest for one of the NHL’s youngest rosters.
Jack Roslavic played a strong game with one goal and one assist, while center Kent Johnson scored his first goal in the NHL.
Columbus may not be a playoff team this season, but this group is in good hands moving forward, and this season will be important for helping young players gain experience.
For Pittsburgh, Saturday night marked the fourth time in five games that the team has scored six goals in a winning effort. Captain Sidney Crosby led the way in this game with one goal and two assists, and Danton Heinen and Kasperi Kapanen each contributed two points.
At 4-0-1, the Penguins should be thrilled with the way things have started this season. They even pulled off Saturday’s comeback victory without forward Jake Guentzel, who they will hope to get back on Monday.
More. The Islanders Need to be Creative with Identity Line. light
The future is bright indeed for the Blue Jackets, but on Saturday night, the Penguins were too much to handle.