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CBJ PG45 v Philadelphia Flyers - We Got Grapes! |
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The Columbus Blue Jackets extend their winning streak off the back of the best season Zach Werenski has ever had; with a 3-2 overtime shootout victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. The win streak was extended to five straight, while Werenski's home game point streak was extended to 17.
Period I
Philadelphia opened the scoring off a tipped Bobby Brink shot for the winger's fifth goal of the regular season. The redirect was caused by a Nick Seeler shot; Jamie Drysdale had the secondary assist.
Passing the halfway mark of the opening frame, defender Zach Werenski drove in clean on the breakaway for his 14th goal of the campaign.
Period II
Each team took two minor penalties, including a series of coincidental minors at the 11:39 mark between Mathieu Olivier and Travis Konecny. The Flyers had one more shot than the Blue Jackets in the second: 9-8.
Period III
Owen Tippett, my Flyers' player to watch and recent fantasy addition, blew one past the returning Tarasov for the former Panthers' 13th goal of the regular season from the rumored trade bait, Morgan Frost.
Werenski brought the AC/DC track back with cannon going off to tie the game at two. Werenski's game tying goal was his 15th goal of the season; which puts him first in the league for defenseman goal scoring. Kirill Marchenko had the primary assist; his 30th of the season. Adam Fantilli, my Columbus player to watch, extended his point streak to six straight games with the secondary assist - 7 points in that stretch.
Overtime
Columbus had three overtime shots to Philadelphia's one.
Shootout
Kirll Marchenko had the one hand poke shot pass Ivan Fedotov. Maybe, he learned the trick from Alex Texier? Kent Johnson also beat Fedotov to be credited with the winner for the Jackets.
Standings
The extra points for Columbus had them jump the Bruins in the wild card standings to hold first place in the wild card race before their dominant win over Tampa; the Jackets one point behind the Bruins with two games in hand. Tampa is tied with Boston, but they have four games in hand.
Ottawa has a better winning percentage than the Blue Jackets, and have a game in hand on Columbus with one point separating them from in or out of postseason contention.
Goaltenders
Ivan Fedotov had 26 saves on 28 shots against for a 0.929 save percentage.
Daniil Tarasov saved 23 of 25 Philadelphia shots faced for a 0.920 save percentage. Tarasov disallowed both Flyers' shootout shots faced. This was Tarry's first win in the show since October 22nd against the Maple Leafs. A lengthy stretch for sure, but the conditioning stint did help him regain some momentum and could help the Jackets remain in the playoff race.
Players to Watch
Philadelphia — Owen Tippett - had the second Flyers goal for his 13th goal of the season.
Columbus — Adam Fantilli - had the secondary assist on the second Werenski goal. His 12th assist and 22nd point of the season has him at a half a point per game season.
CBJ Three Stars of the Game
1. Zach Werenski - 2 goals (15); first in NHL in D-men Goal Scoring
2. Daniil Tarasov - W; first win since Oct. 22; 23 saves; 0.920 save percentage
3. Kirill Marchenko - assist (30); shootout highlight goal
Next Game
On Thursday, the San Jose Sharks are in town for their second and final year of the season.