The Columbus Blue Jackets entered tonight's game looking to extend their win streak to 5 games despite the bevy of injuries the team had suffered. The injury-riddled team was able to accomplish just that in their last game before the holiday break, winning 3-2 on the road against a division rival.
The Islanders started the night's scoring 6 minutes into the opening period with a goal by Anders Lee. The Blue Jackets had several chances to even the score in the opening period, but were foiled by New York goaltender, Thomas Greiss.
The second period was more eventful for both clubs. The Blue Jackets were able to tie the score on the powerplay 6 minutes into the second frame. Kevin Stenlund, working the right half-wall, delivered a puck from just above the circle that found its way through a Boone Jenner screen and passed Greiss to bring the score to 1-1. The goal is Stenlund's second NHL tally and second in four games.
KEVIN PUTS THIS HOME ALL ALONE.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/pXPgVDLDvo
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2019
Three minutes later, the Blue Jackets took the lead off a goal from recent AHL call-up, Nathan Gerbe. Gerbe, who was recalled after word that Oliver Bjorkstrand would miss 4 to 6 weeks, gathered a loose puck behind the net, skated out in front of the Islander net and roofed a backhand for the 2-1 score. The goal is his first in the NHL since March 10th, 2016.
GERBE, BABY!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/Yz3eqnfuO5
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 24, 2019
However, before the second intermission, the New York Islanders tied the score 2-2 off a Mathew Barzal.
Blue Jacket goaltender, Joonas Korpisalo fought off a barrage of Islander chances to start the third period to keep the score tied at 2.
Capitalizing on the key stops from their goalie, the Blue Jackets were able to re-establish a lead late into the third period. With 3 minutes left in the game, Vladislav Gavrikov knocked home a Alexandre Texier rebound for the 3-2 score and his second goal in two games. The team was able to hold on to win the game, taking the last available two points before the holiday break.
