23 days after first meeting as opponents, Johnny Hockey and Matt Tkachuk led their respective teams into a clash at FLA Live Arena. The Jackets arrived with a 2-game win streak and without Coach Larsen, who didn’t arrive in the Sunshine State until 3:00PM day-of. Would they be able to escape with both? Let’s find out!
First Period
Blue Jackets held their own in the first part of the frame, creating a surprising number of chances early off the rush. Erik Gudbranson kicked it off with some strangely beautiful deking, followed by Gus Nyquist being stuffed on a 2-on-1, and a partial breakaway for Patrik Laine.