Post Game: Los Angeles Kings @ Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets took on the Los Angeles Kings for the first time this season. Since the move has been made to the Eastern Conference, these teams will only meet two times this season.
Jan 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center R.J. Umberger (18) scores a goal against Los Angeles Kings goalie Martin Jones (31) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
First Period:
The first period started badly for the Blue Jackets. Matt Calvert got sent to the sin bin 11 seconds into the game for cross-checking. For the first ten minutes, Columbus were playing like they were already defeated.
However, things soon started looking up. The Jackets killed off 3 penalties, and allowed 1 goal off of a rebound by Dwight King. It didn’t take long for Columbus to respond. R.J. Umberger scored off of a long shot that landed the top corner of the net. Then, just before the period was over, Ryan Johansen scored his 19th goal of the season, sneaking the puck past goaltender Martin Jones.
End of the 1st period: 2-1 Blue Jackets.
Second Period:
Jan 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) skates with the puck as Los Angeles Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) chases during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The second period was a totally different story for the Blue Jackets. The boys in blue came out with energy. They were playing hard in the offensive zone, and making hits at every opportunity. The did not take any penalties in the 2nd, which is a far cry from the 3 times they visited the penalty box in the first period.
The only low point of the 2nd was when the princess of the Kings (I’m not bitter), Jeff Carter, stopped coloring his hair on the bench long enough to score a goal and even it up 2-2.
But it didn’t take long for the Jackets to respond. Near the end of the period, R.J. Umberger scored his second goal of the night, and 13th goal of the season, from the left-wing board.
90 Seconds later, with a beautiful pass from Artem Anisimov right in front of the crease, Nathan Horton scored from point-blank range.
End of the 2nd Period: 4-2 Blue Jackets
Third Period:
Jan 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center R.J. Umberger (18) shoots the puck as Los Angeles Kings defenseman Jake Muzzin (6) defends during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Much of the 3rd period was a defensive battle between these two teams. There was no scoring until just under 5 minutes left when Anisimov found the net from a wrist shot assisted by Nick Foligno.
Then, very late in the game, with 6 skaters on the ice, Robyn Regehr was able to slip the puck past Sergei Bobrovsky.
Game Final: Blue Jackets 5 – Kings 3
Analysis:
This is a not only a huge victory and huge moral victory by this team, it set a new team record for most consecutive wins (7). The previous record was 6, which the Blue Jackets matched Saturday in Buffalo.
The momentum is at a full tilt, and it is a great time to be a Blue Jackets fan. Let’s keep this train rolling!
Next up:
Philadelphia Flyers @ Columbus Blue Jackets. Thursday, January 23rd @ 7pm.