The Blue Jackets hosted the St Louis Blues on Saturday night, their last home game until November 15th. As they prepare to head out for a 5 game road trip, they looked for a little success in front of their own fans.
The Blues took the crowd out of the game early, scoring just 3:27 into the contest. Justin Faulk took a pass out of the corner, and was able to walk into the high slot before firing a puck past Jet Greaves to make it 1-0.
Fortunately, the Jackets got the fans at Nationwide back into it soon after. Charlie Coyle poked a Joel Hofer rebound home to tie it up just 1:01 later, much to the crowd's delight.
Mathieu Olivier pumped the crowd up even more, defeating Blues defenseman Tyler Tucker in a spirited scrap at center ice just six seconds after the tying goal was scored. We give Mathieu a decisive W in that one.
Despite the early excitement, that would be all of the first period scoring in this one, as both goaltenders stood strong Hofer made 16 saves for the Blues, while Greaves made 13 saves at the other end.
The second period has not been fortuitous for the Blue Jackets so far this season, but it was tonight. They played one of their better home periods of the year so far in the middle frame.
Zach Werenski broke the tie 11:55 into the period with a terrific snap shot that beat Hofer short side. This goal came after a terrific shift from the first line, which hemmed the Blues into their defensive zone for a long shift.
The Jackets out-shot the Blues 10-7 in the period, but it seemed more one-sided than that. They had some long shifts in the offensive zone and played a very solid 20 minutes of hockey.
This carried over into the third, and for the first time at home this season, they were able to take advantage of a power-play opportunity. Sean Monahan banged home a rebound to make it 3-1 Jackets at 5:07, scoring his first goal of the season-and earning point #600 for his career in the process.
But the Blues were not out of this one yet. Nick Bjugstad beat Greaves off of a broken rush play to make it 3-2 at 9:48, and earned a power-play just 27 seconds after.
They would get several good looks on Greaves during and after the power-play as they sought a tying goal. In fact, from that second goal on, it was all Blues in this third period.
St Louis peppered Greaves with 18 shots in the third period, but Greaves stood tall down the stretch, making several fantastic stops including many in tight. He would not concede another goal, allowing the Jackets a 3-2 win.
Three Standouts
1. Jet Greaves. He was tested quite a bit tonight, but made 36 saves and earned the game's first star. He has been very good early this season, but I think this was his best performance so far. The Blues came in hungry, and he kept them that way.
2. Charlie Coyle. We are seeing why the Jackets paid a premium to pick up Coyle as their third line center. Even if he hadn't scored tonight, his value was very much present. Just one word: reliable. In all situations, he is very reliable.
3. Zach Werenski. Almost 26 minutes played. A goal and an assist. He is really feeling the game right now, and playing like a Norris Trophy contender again.
The Jackets are right back in action tomorrow night, on the road against the Islanders. This kicks off a 5 game road trip that takes them through Western Canada. Hopefully they can keep up this swagger!