MERZLIKINS STOPS 31 SHOTS; BLUE JACKETS UPSET CAROLINA

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The Blue Jackets welcomed back their forward Alexandre Texier, who was on the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List, as the Carolina Hurricanes were heavy favorites against the traveling Columbus Blue Jackets.

This game was heavily dominated by the Blue Jackets. Columbus had five different goal scorers, as the Jackets took home the victory, 6-0, with the shutout counting for G Elvis Merzlikins.

Starting the scoring in the first period for Columbus was E. Bemstrom (1). Then followed by Y. Chinakhov (3) in the second period. Four even-strength goals were scored in the third period by P. Laine (5), Y. Chinakhov (4), C. Sillinger (6), and J. Roslovic (6).

Throughout 60 minutes of play, both teams were dominant against the boards. The Jackets led the board with 16 hits while Carolina lead the game by winning 57% of their faceoffs. The Stanley Cup caliber Hurricanes struggled to get into the offensive zone and did not hustle back to defense the entire game, allowing for multiple 2 on 1 opportunities.

The referees, Francois St-Laurent and Kevin Pollock called this game fairly and gave us a preview of how the Stanley Cup Playoffs could be refed at the end of the season.

The game was aired on ESPN+ as part of ESPN’s Hockey Night. The Blue Jackets look to keep the goal-scoring as they face the Florida Panthers on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.

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Updated: Jan. 11, 2022, 1:05p.m. | Published: Jan. 11, 2022, 1:05p.m.

RALEIGH, N.C.

By: AJ Hymiller