A tradition like no other.
The Columbus Blue Jackets just couldn't put a number on the scoreboard, and despite dominating every other facet of the game, dropped a winnable contest against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
If you were told ahead of game time that the Blue Jackets would outshoot the Oilers 45-23, you'd be optimistic about the final tally, yes?
Well, you'd have reason to be. But in Blue Jackets fashion, that simply didn't matter, and Columbus dropped their second game in-a-row, further hurting their playoff chances.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| OILERS | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
We know they are still barely hanging onto a wild card spot. But this is being clawed at day by day by multiple Metropolitan Division teams who have games in hand and are healthy.
Five minutes into the game, on the first shot from either team, the Oilers lit the lamp on a fairly saveable shot from Joonas Korpisalo. Despite not seeing much action the rest of the evening, Korpisalo stood tall until late in the third period.
The Blue Jackets were dominant almost the entire evening, believe it or not, but a heroic performance by Oilers' goaltender Mikko Koskinen was the difference. 44 saves on the evening made him easily the first star.
After a late-game push by Columbus, Edmonton broke through for two goals in 58 seconds with under five minutes remaining unofficially ended the contest.
Mikko Koskinen deserved better 59 seconds away from a shutout! pic.twitter.com/04VlToY4N7
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 8, 2020
Both teams exchanged meaningless goals in the final minute - and the final score was set at 4-1.
Injury Update
Elvis Merzlikins (concussion) is back in the lineup.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets conclude their Western Canada road trip on Sunday night against the Vancouver Canucks. It's another late one, with puck drop being at 10 pm at Rogers Arena.
