The Columbus Blue Jackets were back at home on Tuesday night when they took on the Nashville Predators at Nationwide Arena. The game was close with a handful of action and a tight score, but Columbus managed to secure the win 3-2. The Jackets will be at home again when they face off against the Florida Panthers on Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, ESPN+, or NHL Center Ice. Columbus has managed to move up to the third-place spot in the wild-card standings and fourth in the Metropolitan Division. With the next three games at home, the Blue Jackets are hoping to build upon their win streak and secure a position in the playoffs.
The first period of Tuesday’s game was back-and-forth between Columbus and Nashville. Still, the Jackets were able to secure the first goal at 14:23. Adam Fantilli scored the opening goal via wrist shot with help from Kiril Marchenko and Mason Marchment. Nashville was awarded a holding penalty at 16:26, but Columbus was unable to capitalize on the advantage. Mason Marchment served a two-minute hooking penalty at 17:43, and the Predators jumped on the advantage to tie the game 1-1 at 19:32.
Nashville opened the middle frame by serving a penalty for high-sticking Adam Fantilli at 5:07; still, Columbus could not score on the power-play. The Predators pulled ahead late in the second period, scoring at 14:39 to make the game 2-1. The Blue Jackets headed into the locker room determined to make a comeback in the final frame to secure a much-needed win.
Kiril Marchenko opened the third period with a high-sticking penalty at 1:33, but Columbus did not let the disadvantage stop them. Sean Monahan quickly followed up with an unassisted snapshot at 1:52 to tie the game once again. Not long after, Charlie Coyle scored the final goal of the game at 6:07 with assists from Damon Severson and Denton Mateychuk. Nashville was also awarded a delaying the game penalty at the same time, which they challenged unsuccessfully. The Predators served one last penalty at 10:03 for slashing Erik Gudbranson at 10:03 before the game wrapped up. Jet Greaves was in the net for Columbus on Tuesday night and saved 23 of the 25 shots on goal.
Image sourced via Google Images.
