The Columbus Blue Jackets came into Tuesday night's contest against the Vegas Golden Knights looking to end a four-game losing streak.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Golden Knights | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
But, it was the Golden Knights who claimed the first goal of the game. With less than a minute left in the first period, Reilly Smith knocked a backhand shot off of Oliver Bjorkstrand and into the Blue Jackets net to give Vegas a 1-0 lead.
Boone Jenner brought the game to a 1-1 tie five minutes into the second period, corralling a nifty pass from Dean Kukan and firing a top-shelf wrist shot past Marc-Andre Fleury.
However, the tie was short-lived. Seconds into a Blue Jackets power play, the Golden Knights scored a shorthanded goal off a Nick Foligno turnover to regain a 2-1 lead.
After failing to score on consecutive power plays, the Blue Jackets had consistent pressure, but again, could not find the back of the net.
Despite frequent and sustained time in the offensive zone and great looks in the third period, the Blue Jackets failed to capitalize, leading to the 2-1 loss and their fifth in a row.
The Blue Jackets' struggle to finish their high-danger chances has been a consistent story line this season and tonight's performance was no exception. Tonight, the team had Fleury beaten on several occasions but could not find the back of the net.
Injury Update
Ryan Murray and Alexandre Texier are on injured reserve and expected to miss at least two more weeks. Markus Nutivaara left tonight's game with an upper body injury in the second period and did not return.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets will face the Arizona Coyotes on the road this Thursday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
