Blue Jackets Overcome Multiple Deficits in Shootout Win Over Islanders

Two main stories came from this game. While the Blue Jackets overcame multiple deficits, a pair of goaltender interference situations will be talked about for some time.

Game Recap

The first half of the first period saw both teams get into the flow of the game. Then the Islanders stepped on the gas with their forecheck. They were able to open up a 2-0 lead as a result.

First, Pierre Engvall opened the scoring off a pass from former Blue Jacket Adam Boqvist. Engvall’s against the grain shot was a good one that got by Elvis Merzlikins.

The Islanders then scored off a beautiful passing play by Kyle Palmieri. Bo Horvat’s pass sent Palmieri in to send them to the room with a two-goal lead.

The Blue Jackets played the rest of the game as though their season was on the line. Fantilli beat Ilya Sorokin early in the second period on a snipe to cut it to 2-1.

The Islanders power play then came back to bite them. Boone Jenner scored shorthanded with under three minutes left in the second to make it 2-2. All the Blue Jackets had to do was kill the last 2:47 to be tied after 40 minutes. It didn’t happen that way.

With just 48 seconds left in the second, Anders Lee deflected Mike Reilly’s shot to make it 3-2. After some thought, Dean Evason elected to challenge for goalie interference. Although Merzlikins’ glove was hit, the goal was allowed to stand. The NHL said they didn’t see any goalie interference infractions in the review.

The Blue Jackets needed a goal in the third to get at least a point. Marchenko gave it to them from the right point with 7:04 left in regulation. But then the moment that will be talked about for a while came up.

It appeared the Islanders scored with under 10 seconds left in the game. However, officials ruled Palmieri bumped Merzlikins before the goal and not having ample time to get set. After a long review, the no-goal call was upheld. Overtime was required.

A hectic overtime saw both teams trade chances with each goalie coming up huge. In the shootout, Merzlikins stopped all three Islanders shooters. Fantilli scored the only goal on his backhand to help break the losing streak at six games.

Merzlikins made 30 saves on the night. Sorokin stopped 27.

The Blue Jackets climb to within two points of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They will have Tuesday off before returning to practice Wednesday. They face the Vancouver Canucks at home on Friday night.

The Islanders meanwhile host the Canucks on Wednesday night. They get a point and are just one point behind Montreal for the last playoff spot.