What a shocker. The worst team in the Eastern Conference by points and winning percentage defeat the two best players in the world on national television. The Columbus Blue Jackets stun the Edmonton Oilers 3-2, in overtime.
In my prediction blog last night, I did predict the Blue Jackets would score three goals; however, was not expecting the Oilers to score two in an injury filled defense.
The first period scoring was led by the Columbus captain winning the faceoff draw, passing from the defense; and a shot on goal that was deflected the leader for his 14th goal of the year. The Boone Jenner tip came past the halfway mark from defender Adam Boqvist and winger Patrik Laine.
Edmonton came back with two second period goals, and that was all the scoring the Oilers had in them.
Veteran winger Derek Ryan recovered the biscuit and drove past the Columbus defense, wristing one past the glove side of the road goalie for his 7th of the year, unassisted.
After a Johnny Gaudreau cross-checking infraction on the best player in the world, a power play redirection by Zach Hyman off a Connor McDavid shot led to his 25th goal of the season; Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had the secondary assist.
This concluded the Edmonton goal scoring.
The Columbus tiebreaker came passing the halfway mark of the third period on a crash the net play by rookie Kirill Marchenko for the goal scorer’s 11th career goal. Rookie Kent Johnson got the primary assist; Boqvist had a secondary assist.
In the middle of the overtime period, smooth passing between Gaudreau, KJ, and Erik Gudbranson led to open space between the faceoff circles for Johnson to fire a knuckleball passed the home goalkeeper for the winner. The Wolverine alumni’s winner came from the BC alumni and the former Frontenac.
Connor McDavid was my Oilers’ player to watch, having an assist; a -1 rating; 3 shots; 2 hits; 4 giveaways; and a 33% faceoff winning percentage in 23:59 time on ice. This is the second time I have seen a full Oilers game this season, and he is lethal. The generational talent is so fast he terrifies me. I was on the age of my seat the whole time. Live in Nashville, and here on television, the same fear ran through me. He’s this good to me. Nobody is near close to him in talent. It’s raw, it’s fast, and supernatural.
Stuart Skinner was the All Star starting goaltender for the Oilers, allowing 3 goals on 27 shots for a 0.889 save percentage. In Nashville, he was not the starter, so I didn’t get to see him live. Everytime I think of Skinner, I go to the WHL season he scored the goal. Knowing a bit of prospects the way I do, I thought he was a steal in his draft. Maybe early second round. Could be the future in the Edmonton crease.
Vladislav Gavrikov was my Columbus player to watch, as he has been connected to the Oilers since Thanksgiving, alongside the Leafs; Senators; and Kings. The Wild have been popping up recently. I am aware of the David Pagnotta report of Pittsburgh. Not sure the logic behind the Penguins needing a rental defender when they are continuing to age, and they have left defenseman depth presently. Gavrikov was pointless with a -1 rating over 23:41 TOI. Very quiet night for the top defender. Mostly invincible on the night.
Joonas Korpisalo was the starting goaltender for the Blue Jackets, having 34 saves on 36 shots for a 0.944 save percentage. Korpisalo is at a 0.500 record on the season, picking up wins and points for the Jackets against the Western Conference.
CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Kent Johnson— GWG (9), assist (14)
2. Kirill Marchenko — goal (11)
3. Joonas Korpisalo — OTW; 94.4 SV%
Reaction
Was not expecting the result, and very thrilled with the way it turned out. Columbus does better against the west. Perfect game to show on TNT with McDavid on American TV; the Gaudreau excitement against Western Canada and the boos are fun to hear. Brings back the battle of Alberta vibes. The Columbus kids are growing with the minutes and more games played. Edmonton is a dark horse team. They have the best players, but not all the depth to support their best players. They have many pieces I am a fan of - I love Nuge; Holloway; Skinner; Broberg; and Bouchard. There is this youthful defensive group that will help strengthen them, but the offense is a blender. Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins are having career years, and are getting the flowers they deserve.
Follow me on Twitter @ZakMacBuzz…
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»