Columbus Blue Jackets Hold off New York Islanders
By William Espy
The Columbus Blue Jackets took on the division rival New York Islanders on Friday in Nationwide Arena. With how close the Metropolitan Division currently is, this was certainly an important game for both teams.
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the New York Islanders in a high scoring affair which ended with a final score of 6-4. The win solidified the Blue Jackets atop the Metropolitan Division, as the league inches closer to the holiday roster freeze. With the season nearing the midway point, games are now more important than ever and the Blue Jackets are doing well handling the pressure.
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Artemi Panarin extended his team lead in points to 28 points with two assist. Meanwhile Josh Anderson added a 12th goal of the season. Similarly to Panarin, Anderson was able to add to his team lead in goals.
According to NHL.com, the other CBJ goals are officially credited to Zach Werenski, Markus Nutivaara, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Seth Jones and Nick Foligno.
The Blue Jackets power play seemed to play better than usual last night, as Dubois’ goal was on the power play and Nick Foligno’s was scored when he was an extra attacker with a delayed penalty. Oliver Bjorkstrand moved into second on the Blue Jackets in total points with his three assist game, which was the first of his career.
Sergei Bobrovsky appears to be entering a rough part of his season, as he has given up a total of 11 goals in the last two games. The Blue Jackets have to hope that he’ll be able to turn it around soon, otherwise they’ll likely have difficulty keeping at the top of the division.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets are moving toward the most difficult part of the season, as the holidays pass and the league moves toward the trade deadline and eventually the playoffs.
The season continues on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes in another divisional match-up from Raleigh, North Carolina.