Predators 4, Blue Jackets 1
Five days separated the Central Division rivals’ last meeting, though it was evident that not much had changed as Nashville continued their dominance over Columbus with a 4-1 victory in the Music City. The Blue Jackets’ spurts of good play, specifically in the second period, were negated by an overall weak performance.
Columbus, now 3-20-2 when surrendering the first goal, fell behind early when Mike Fisher put the Predators up 1-0 at 8:07 of the opening period. After 20 minutes, the Blue Jackets were being outshot 12-3.
Following a slow start, Columbus picked up its offensive play in the second frame. Despite the efforts to create momentum, a 15 save performance from Nashville’s Pekka Rinne kept the game square. The Blue Jackets only true success came early in the period when Rick Nash stuffed away a highlight reel goal. However, the tie was broken once more as Fisher scored again, in the final minute of the period.
The Predators’ late period tally was one of their two power play goals of the evening. Columbus, still trying to limit penalties, put Nashville on the man-advantage five times over the course of the game.
In the third period, the Predators picked up two more goals to make it 4-1. Steve Mason, now backup to Curtis Sanford, saved 25 of 29 shots in the contest.
The Blue Jackets, looking to rebound from a string of losses, enter their last game before the All-Star break Tuesday night in Tampa Bay.
No comments:
Post a Comment