Columbus Blue Jackets top division leading Vegas Golden Knights

In a game with massive playoff ramifications, the Columbus Blue Jackets top the new kids on the block 4-1.

Well that wasn’t the game any one of us was expecting was it. The Columbus Blue Jackets came out and dominated the Vegas Golden Knights and won 4-1 at Nationwide Arena. The CBJ did so without their best player, Sergei Bobrovsky.

The top netminder for the Columbus Blue Jackets is sick and Joonas Korpisalo stepped up in a big way in his absence. Despite a rough last outing against the Los Angeles Kings, Korpi proved to be the Jackets top performer tonight.

Despite facing 38 shots and a plethora of quality scoring chances, Korpi turned away 37 of the Golden Knights’ shots on goal to lead the Jackets to a much needed two points at home to start their home stand. The Finnish goalie stood tall against the second highest scoring team in the NHL.The daunting task was met with fully tonight by the 23-year-old. A last second start did not phase the youngster even after his less than stellar outing against the Kings.

Related Story: Korpi to Start vs Vegas

Like we said in the preview, it was vital Korpi got out to a good start fueled by his team and he got the start he needed. The Columbus Blue Jackets scored in the first 20 seconds of the game to give Korpi a 1-0 lead to work with. Not too long after the Jackets scored again but the Pierre Luc-Dubois goal was overturned on questionable offsides challenge from the Golden Knights.

Despite the bad call the Jackets persevered. Even though the expansion franchise countered early in the second period with a goal to tie the game at one, the Jackets seemed to have all of the scoring opportunities.

Eventually the Columbus Blue Jackets scored twice in the second to extend the lead to 3-1. A late third period goal put the game out of hand and the Jackets won 4-1.

Game Notes

• William Karlsson didn’t get on the score sheet and only received a tribute graphic. I clapped. He didn’t deserve a video though.
• Ian Cole scored his first goal (second really) as a Columbus Blue Jacket
• The game was pretty chippy and the Jackets ended up on the wrong side of a poorly officiated game but still won.
• The Jackets were 0-2 on the power play but didn’t allow a power play goal on two attempts.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will certainly be happy with two points to start their four game home stand. The Jackets have a day off before they take on the Colorado Avalanche.