The Blue Jackets, after gaining a 3-1 lead Thursday night, lost a competitive game against the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime 4-3. With the win, the Flyers swept the season series with Columbus.
Despite the blown lead, the game included a few positives for the Blue Jackets in the form of impressive performances from both a new face and a veteran team leader.
So without further ado, here are tonight's Three Things.
MATTEAU SIGNING PAYS INSTANTLY
Yesterday, the Blue Jackets announced the signing of AHL player Stefan Matteau to a two-way contract and was immediately recalled to Columbus. While many viewed the signing as a depth move amidst the Blue Jackets' injury concerns, Matteau made an impact in his first game.
Standing strong in front of the Flyers' net four minutes in the second period, Matteau tipped a Boone Jenner shot by Brian Elliot for his first goal as a Blue Jacket. Matteau ended the night with 12:44 in ice time.
This game has EVERYTHING. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/URD4hIrywd
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 21, 2020
BLOWN LEAD
The Blue Jackets had a 3-1 lead early in the second period thanks to goals from Oliver Bjorkstrand, Nick Foligno, and Matteau. While the start was a great sign for a team that's recently struggled to score, the lead didn't last long. Late in the second frame, Elvis Merzlikins conceded two goals in the span of 86 seconds to tie the game at 3-3. The Flyers would later win the game in overtime.
The blown lead resembles a similar performance from this Sunday in which the Blue Jackets allowed three straight goals after taking a 2-0 lead and eventually losing the game to the New Jersey Devils. If the Blue Jackets are to break out of their recent slump, they must break out of this habit and improve in their defense of leads.
OKAY, CAPTAIN!
Holy cow, Nick Foligno, what a goal you scored.
Nine minutes into the first period, Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno scored one of the more impressive goals in his long tenure with the team. Foligno, attempting to cradle a loose puck on a breakaway, shifted the puck behind himself and launched it by Elliott for an incredible between-the-legs score.
We're not worthy, Nick. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/E0kT5hp7E1
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 21, 2020
