On Wednesday night, in a high-powered rivalry between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Anaheim Ducks. The Columbus Blue Jackets team prevailed with a resounding 7-4 victory.
The game was headlined by Yegor Chinakhov’s game-clinching goal early in the third period. The match witnessed swings of emotions as the Blue Jackets started insurmountably strong, going up by four goals, only to be brought down by the comeback kit of the Ducks. However, in the end, the Columbus team managed to subdue the Orange.
Kuraly Leads Columbus Blue Jackets to Victory in California Clash
On that night, the person who stood out the most for the Columbus Blue Jackets was Sean Kuraly. He scored his second goal only 49 seconds after the crucial goal by Chinakhov. Kuraly’s performance, along with Boone Jenner‘s great game, included an empty-net goal. They helped Columbus to win their second of the three-game California trip.
The dynamic duo of Zach Werenski and Johnny Gaudreau, too, were among the outstanding players in the offensive sectors. Werenski impressively got two goals in the first period. While Gaudreau has put an end to his 17 games goalless run which has shown how lethal he is in the offensive front. The win constituted a vital success for the Columbus Blue Jackets, as until then, they were winless against the Ducks in their five prior meetings.
Even if the result is joyful, the match wasn’t without difficulties for the Columbus Blue Jackets, particularly from 11 minutes into the second period. When they committed a number of silly mistakes while leading. After the game, Kuraly acknowledged that it was disappointing. However, he emphasized that it was a learning chance and stated, “It is a lot easier to learn when you end up winning. So hopefully, we can use this lesson.”
Tarasov’s Goalkeeping Brilliance Secures Win Despite Ducks’ Comeback Effort
The Ducks, in contrast, struggled but still battled back in a losing cause after they trailed 4-0. Also a goal each from Mason McTavish and Alex Killorn. They included a short-handed goal, brought them back into the game to even the score at 4-4 with just under 10 minutes of the second period left. Nonetheless, Sochi tired the Ducks in the third period, which meant they lost their fourth match in six.
Anaheim coach Greg Cronin zeroed in on turnovers as the main factor of the defeat. He declared, “We made those errors in our third period, and it cost us a game.” The Ducks will play a challenging part now. They will be in a nine-game series without even touching the board.
Daniil Tarasov of the Columbus Blue Jackets truly stood out. He saved 27 shots in a game in which he even left the ice for a while late in the second period. Because he was hit accidentally by teammate Adam Boqvist. For the third period, Tarasov not only returned but also showed a different side, which proved to be crucial in obtaining the victory.
Blue Jackets Surge Past Ducks, Climb Eastern Conference Ladder
The Columbus Blue Jackets, at present, hold the last-place position in the Eastern Conference. They gained a four-point lead over the Ducks, who have 14th spot in the Western Conference. So, between sixth and eighth place in the non-playoff season.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets move, they will host the Sabres on Friday night. The Ducks will try to come back when they clash against the Los Angeles Kings on a Saturday night. The win at home against Anaheim gives Columbus the needed acceleration in their quest for a stronger rank in the Eastern Conference table.