The Columbus Blue Jackets edged past the Montreal Canadiens in a thrilling encounter at Nationwide Arena on December 23, 2024, sealing the game with a late goal from Kirill Marchenko. The final score was 5-4, sending the Blue Jackets off to the NHL's holiday break on a high note.
The action-packed match was notable for its rapid scoring and key player performances. The Blue Jackets took the lead early on with two goals, first from Ivan Voronkov and then Kent Johnson, putting the Canadiens on the back foot. Voronkov opened the scoring with his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Sean Monahan, and Johnson followed up with his tenth, showcasing the Blue Jackets' offensive prowess right from the start.
Despite the rocky start, the Canadiens managed to turn the tide with three consecutive goals of their own. David Savard, Jake Evans, and Lane Hutson found the back of the net, leveling the score after trailing. Evans' goal marked his return to scoring after several games, drawing cheers from the Canadiens supporters. But just as it seemed Montreal had seized momentum, Jordan Harris scored for the Blue Jackets, keeping the game tightly contested at 3-3.
With the score knotted at 4-4 midway through the third period, the atmosphere was electric. Joel Armia and Voronkov exchanged goals, with Armia's shot bringing the score to 4-3 for Montreal early in the final period. This prompted the Blue Jackets to put the pressure back on their opponents.
Marchenko's deciding goal came just over two minutes from the game's conclusion, allowing the Blue Jackets to secure the win. With this goal, Marchenko not only delivered the game-winner but also marked his third point of the match, highlighting his importance to the team. Both Sean Monahan and Zach Werenski assisted on the play, reinforcing the teamwork within the squad.
The Canadiens, who boasted the firepower of veterans like Patrik Laine, were left disappointed after seeing their plans go awry. Laine, who had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Blue Jackets' losing culture before being traded, exited the game early due to what was reported as an upper-body injury. He only managed to play through the first period, struggling after taking several hits from his former teammates.
Overall, the match served as a microcosm of the season for both teams. The Blue Jackets, currently positioned at 14-15-6, celebrated the victory as they continue to navigate the ups and downs of their rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, the Canadiens, now at 14-17-3, grapple with the consequences of missed opportunities on the ice.
The game, laden with scoring and dramatic shifts, serves as both motivation and reflection for the teams as they approach the mid-point of the season. Coaches and players alike will look to build on their strengths and learn from the setbacks as they prepare for the games to come.
