Two Games, One Point

Flames 2, Blue Jackets 1 SO

In many ways, the morning skate acts as a wake up call for a team before their game that evening. On Tuesday, coach Scott Arniel called off the skate to give his club a call of his own. In a 45 minute meeting, Arniel re-adressed the problems that he believes are sending Columbus in a seemingly inescapable downwards spiral.

Much to the delight of Arniel, his impromptu sit-down with the Blue Jackets paid off. In all parts of the ice, Columbus controlled play.

Fresh off a quality power play, Derick Brassard fired a wrist shot from the right circle to steal the all- important first goal. His second-period mark sent a jolt through the arena and gave Columbus room to work.

The Blue Jackets were playing like the team general manager Scott Howson had envisioned in the offseason. Defensively, they made Calgary's red-hot top line work for every inch. Steve Mason helped out with 25 saves. Offensively, they fired the puck on net, worked for rebounds, and were aggressive on the forecheck. 

Despite the successes, early in the third period, the Flames tied the game. With the man advantage, Jerome Iginla slid a backhander underneath Mason. With the score even, the Calgary bench was re-energized and hungry for a victory.

The teams continued a see-saw type of game in overtime with chances going both ways. Eventually, in the shootout, Iginla had the lone tally to give the Flames the extra point.

Blackhawks 4, Blue Jackets 1

After a promising first period, Columbus reverted to its inconsistent ways and surrendered the last 40 minutes of the game to Chicago. The loss marked the fifth time in a row the Blue Jackets have lost in regulation. 

Neither team scored in the opening period, though Columbus registered 13 shots and and created more scoring chances than the division leading Blackhawks. Steve Mason faced only five shots through 20 minutes, though he would prove to be the busiest man on the ice in the coming periods.

Chicago tallied three even-strenghth goals in the second period to pull away from the visiting Jackets. First, Patrick Sharp scored his 19th goal of the season to take the first lead of the game. Then, Victor Stalberg recorded a pair of goals to zap Columbus' momentum and make it 3-0. 

James Winsniewski ruined Ray Emery's shutout bid in the third period, but the Blue Jackets could not build on the mark. Wisniewski's goal was just his second of the season.