Zach Werenski earned points on three of the five Columbus goals to continue his best regular season ever. The Blue Jackets pick up the two points in a 5-1 regulation victory to sweep the Chicago Blackhawks, two games to zero, and outscoring the Blackhawks by the score of 11-4, a +7 goal differential.
Period I
Columbus fired the cannon with the opening goal off the twig of Kent Johnson. Michigan alumni, Johnson, opened the scoring with his career high 18th of the regular season and 40th of his career was assisted by Cole Sillinger and Zach Werenski. The assist has extended Werenski’s streak to 22, third highest amongst defenseman ever. The record is with Bobby Orr at 25.
Joseph LaBate had his first fight with the big club, squaring off with former Blue Jackets’ captain Nick Foligno, the current captain of the visiting Chicago Blackhawks with 20 seconds remaining in the opening period. Fligs also had a roughing minor on LaBate that was served by three time cup champion, Patrick Maroon.
Period II
Kent Johnson went on hat-trick watch with his second consecutive goal for the home team on the powerplay for his 19th of the campaign. Werenski had the primary assist for his team leading 44th of the year. Dmitry Voronkov has surpassed his previous season high in assists with 17. Thank you Foligno for the powerplay and for the eventual game winner.
An Ivan Provorov high sticking minor led to the only goal scored by the visitors. Veteran journeyman Craig Smith posted his 8th with the Blackhawks, and 219th of his career. Youngsters Alex Vlasic and Frank Nazar had the apples.
Denton Mateychuk answered back for the home time to light the cannon ablaze. His second goal of his young career was unassisted.
Period III
The Blue Jackets closed the scoring in the third with two goals in 53 seconds.
Michigan alumni Zach Werenski potted his 18th goal of the regular season with the helpers going to Boone Jenner and Cole Sillinger. This was Jenner’s first point in his first game of the regular season. Sillinger’s 20th assist is the most he has put up in a single season. He is four points away from his surpassing his career high.
Michigan alumni Adam Fantilli concluded all game scoring for his career high 16th goal of the regular season. Marchenko got the primary assist in his first game back with injury for his career high 35th helper and 123rd professional point. Dmitry Voronkov had the secondary assist for his 18th this season, two higher than his previous. His 37th point of the season also is three higher than his rookie year, 34.
Goaltenders
Chicago — Petr Mrazek had 16 saves on 21 shots faced for a 0.762 save percentage.
Columbus — Elvis Merzlikins had 27 saves on 28 shots against for a 0.964 save percentage.
Players to Watch
Chicago — Ryan Donato had the most ice time for veteran forwards at 19:53TOI; Bedard was the only forward with more time on the ice. The former Bruins’ draft pick was a -2 with 2 hits and shots on Merzlikins.
Columbus — Boone Jenner played in his first game this season. After missing the first 56, the captain was fired up and had the primary assist on the Werenski goal. His 365th career point came in his 716th career game. The locker room leader had 16:56TOI, second most behind Cole Sillinger. The Oshawa Generals’ product was a +2 with a shot on goal; blocked shot; and giveaway. His 4 hits were tied for third most on offense with Adam Fantilli.
Tuesday night is Pride Night and Hockey is for Everyone Night in Columbus. Last game in Nationwide Arena for the month of February as Columbus concludes their season series with the Dallas Stars.
The final outdoor game of the season will take place March 1 when the Red Wings face the Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium as part of the NHL Stadium Series. It is the first time Columbus will play an outdoor game and the fifth time for Detroit. It will be the 43rd outdoor game in League history and second this season. The Blues won 6-2 against the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago on December 31.
New — Today Feb. 23 — Seth Jones (CHI) has formally requested a trade out of Chicago, and is open to a return to Columbus. Jones is looking for the opportunity to win the Cup while he is in his 30s. Jones was traded out of Columbus a few years ago for a haul that included defender Nolan Allan for David Jiricek, Cole Sillinger, Adam Boqvist, and Jake Bean.
After Ek promoted my post to the top slot over the weekend, this will be posted daily with my Twitter promotion of who may join and depart Columbus. Rumor Mill
D Seth Jones (CHI)
CBJ, OTT, DAL, COL
F Brock Boeser (VAN)
CBJ, MIN
F Elias Pettersson (VAN)
BUF, CAR, DET, MIN, DAL, OTT, CBJ, BOS
F Brock Nelson (NYI)
MIN, DAL, BOS, TOR, COL, WPG, CBJ, WSH,
F Brandon Tanev (SEA)
TOR, WSH, NYR, VGK, OTT, CBJ,
F Gustav Nyquist (NSH) per Michael DeRosa
CBJ, NYR, OTT, CAR, FLA, COL
F Dylan Cozens (BUF)
Per Josh Erickson of ProHockeyRumors and Spencer Lazary of THN — CBJ
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