Columbus Blue Jackets Fall in Overtime Despite Great Goaltending

Despite an incredible performance by Sergei Bobrovsky, the Columbus Blue Jackets fell in overtime. They were handed their first loss since returning from the bye week.

60 minutes was not enough to settle this Eastern Conference match up as regulation ended in a scoreless tie. That tie was broken with 1:07 left in overtime following an Alex Galchenyuk slap shot goal that zipped past Sergei Bobrovsky’s right shoulder. 

Up to that point, the goaltending from the Vezina-winning goalies in Bobrovsky and Montreal’s Carey Price had been lights out. Bob made incredible save after incredible save to keep the Jackets tied, tallying 29 saves. Price, while less flashy than his Columbus counterpart, saved 26 shots and more importantly, got the two points for the overtime victory.

Officiating Woes

Penalties, mostly questionable ones, seemed to be the theme of the game as Markus Hännikäinen of Columbus was charged with two penalties early in the game. These led to two unsuccessful power plays for Montreal as the CBJ penalty kill stepped up big tonight. Boone Jenner was also called for a penalty at the end of the second period, leading Columbus to play shorthanded to begin the final regulation period.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Montreal fans had their share of criticism for the refs as well. A somewhat questionable call on Alexander Radulov led to an unsuccessful Columbus Blue Jacket power play late in the third period. In overtime a save by Sergei was upheld as although it appeared Max Pacioretty knocked in the game winning goal but the whistle was blown.

A controversial holding penalty on Seth Jones in overtime tipped the scales in favor of Montreal. The Canadiens scored less than a minute after Jones headed to the box on a ticky-tac holding call. Up to that point Columbus dominated the overtime and had all the momentum needed to win. 

Not a Happy Torts

Following the loss, CBJ coach John Tortorella marched across the ice and berated officials for the penalty call on Jones. Tortorella was held back by some of the Jackets players and led into the locker room. Check out the video below from John Buccigross. 

After the game, he was still visibly frustrated and was questioned about his on ice episode. Torts deflected twice and said that he was proud of the way his team played. 

No matter the circumstances of this game, the Blue Jackets will need to bounce back from this tough loss. They face the Minnesota Wild on Thursday back at Nationwide Arena, in a rematch of Unsustainabowl 2016. 

The Jackets played extraordinarily well considering the circumstances tonight. In one of the most hostile arenas in the league, they played with poise. They countered every punch the Atlantic Division leading Habs could throw at them and they did so without two centers. The season series ends at 2-0-1 in favor of the CBJ. Great work from the boys in blue.