Apparently, somebody sent out a memo about some sort of rivalry between Edmonton and Columbus. While I didn’t get this notice, the players, and coaches, obviously did. While I am used to seeing the Calgary Flames and the Jackets mix it up, nothing indicated that the game between the Jackets and Oilers would be a physical match up. Last night, to my surprise, both teams came out hitting and checking hard – and this led to two fights. Man, was this an old-fashioned, hard-hitting, hockey game.
Game Recap
While last night’s game was an immensely physical spectacle, there was little evidence of scoring in the first period. With only about 12 shots on goal in total, the two goalies were left standing around, picking at their teeth. Instead of playing hockey, all of the players were messing around with each other, picking fights, and throwing punches. While there were only two fights in this period (literally two seconds apart), most of the time was spent roughing each other in little scrums after the whistles. All in all, 44 penalty minutes were issued, with 40 of those being for physical altercations.
The second period, in direct contrast with the first, featured much more skill. Both Edmonton and Columbus had strong offensive prowess, and they both dominated for sections of the period. Each team had many good opportunities, and each was able to capitalize on them. Just seven minutes into the game, Anton Stralman (2) scored a goal, placing the Jackets in the lead. Only a few minutes later, however, Ales Hemsky (5) tied it up for Edmonton. Both goals were scored on power plays.
After losing the lead, Columbus came out into the third looking a bit rejected. They were slow to the puck, turned it over, and were playing badly (a common problem this season). The Oilers were able to capitalize on this, when Lubomir Visnovsky (5) scored just five minutes into the period. Now that they were behind, the Jackets started to play well again – this happens in most games for the Jackets, and is starting to make me think that they are better when down a goal. Shortly after lighting their own fire, Antoine Vermette (4) lit the lamp, tying the game up. This was the last regulation goal of the night, and, just like the two previous goals, both goals of this period were scored on power plays.
Article comments