Rewind: Columbus Blue Jackets fizzle after strong start against Seattle Kraken

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Rewind: Columbus Blue Jackets fizzle after strong start against Seattle Kraken

Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch · The Columbus Dispatch

Wed, Nov 13, 2024 ·

16 min read

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The Blue Jackets are coming home with a six-game winless skid after disastrous 0-3-1 record on a four game road trip to California and Seattle , where they lost to the Seattle Kraken late Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena.

Things got off to a good start, but everything fell apart for the Blue Jackets (5-8-2) when their 2-0 lead starting the second period became a 4-2 deficit after allowing four unanswered goals in a 5-2 loss to the Kraken (7-8-1).

"We're trying to figure it out ourselves," Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said. "We actually came in after the first period and said, for sure, it's our best period. And then we're like, 'Well, we're not going to praise too much. We've got to keep the foot on the pedal,' and then we just couldn't sustain it."

Next up for the Blue Jackets is a long flight back followed by practice Thursday and another back-to-back against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday at Nationwide Arena and Montreal Canadiens on Saturday at Bell Centre in Montreal.

Here's a timeline of information, including updates and in-game analysis, from the Jackets' loss to the Kraken:

Nov 12, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken left wing Brandon Tanev (13) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

FINAL: Seattle Kraken 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Despite the Blue Jackets dominating the first 20 minutes, the Kraken regrouped in the first intermission and proceeded to run away with the remainder of the game, scoring five unanswered goals to win, 5-2, with the help of four straight goals in the second period.

Zach Aston-Reese and Sean Kuraly scored the goals for Columbus in the first period, while linemate Kevin Labanc assisted on both. Elvis Merzlikins (29 saves) took the loss.

"It seems like, for the last string of games, we're just taking one period off, going all the way back to the Washington game and even the Nashville game," Aston-Reese said on the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast. "It's just, like, these one-period lapses, where we just give up like five, six odd-man rushes, a couple 'Grade As' and we just shoot ourselves in the foot, make it really hard for us to win."

GOAL, 3rd period 18:42 (ENG): Seattle Kraken 5, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Jared McCann gets the puck and fires it into the Jackets' empty cage from just over the red line for a three-goal lead to seal it for Seattle, which will win five straight games over Columbus dating back to Jan. 28, 2023.

3rd period, 18:13: Seattle Kraken 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Elvis Merzlikins has left the Blue Jackets' net vacant for an extra attacker. Columbus has a 6-on-5 edge while chasing a two-goal lead for the Kraken.

Nov 12, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (3) and Seattle Kraken left wing Brandon Tanev (13) play the puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

3rd period, 15:21: Seattle Kraken 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

The Kraken have 4:39 left to polish off their second straight win in a game that looked like they'd be run off the ice by a determined Blue Jackets bunch. That dominant rebound by Seattle in the second changed the entire feel of this game. The Kraken are putting on a clinic in protecting a late two-goal lead.

3rd period start: Seattle Kraken 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Well, here we go. Last period of what's been a long, strange trip out West for the Blue Jackets, who are poised to drop their sixth straight game if they can't overcome this two-goal deficit. The puck's in play at Climate Pledge for the third.

Tale of the 5v5 statistical tape after two there in Seattle, courtesy of @naturalstattrick.com ... the second was all Kraken and the first was all Blue Jackets, who trail 4-2 with 20 minutes left.

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— Brian Hedger ( @brianhedger.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 11:52 PM

2nd intermission: Seattle Kraken 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Well, that period was among the ugliest of the season for the Blue Jackets, who were outshot 20-9 and steamrolled while allowing four unanswered goals by Kartye, Tanev , Tolvanen and Borgen to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 Kraken lead after 40 minutes.

The @naturalstattrick.com heat map after two in Seattle now looks balanced, except there's one more 'G' on the Kraken's side of the ice.

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— Brian Hedger ( @brianhedger.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 11:46 PM

As impressive as the Jackets looked in the first, they looked every bit as discombobulated and dissheveled in the second, completely hanging Merzlikins out to dry.

GOAL, 2nd period 13:34: Seattle Kraken 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

Seattle has officially released the Kraken, only the Kraken knows how to make it hurt when they dominate a period. Rather than settling for two fourth-line goals, like the Jackets did in their dominant first period, Seattle has tacked on four in the second. The latest comes from defenseman Will Borgen , who capped a 2-on-1 rush with former Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand .

Prior to the odd-man rush, Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson got caught pinching down the right wing wall rather than staying at the right point, leading to the 2-on-1 developing.

GOAL, 2nd period 7:23 (PPG) : Seattle Kraken 3, Columbus Blue Jackets 2

In the blink of an eye, the Kraken have surged in front on a power-play tally by Eeli Tolvanen, who camped outside the right post after the opening draw on a power play sparked by Labanc's roughing minor and redirected a pass from Jordan Eberle into the net. What a meltdown by the Blue Jackets.

Nov 12, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken left wing Tye Kartye (12) celebrates with the bench after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

GOAL, 2nd period 7:13: Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Seattle Kraken 2

And we're tied up. The Kraken have stormed out of the locker room for this second period the way the Blue Jackets began the game. They've also tied it in much the same way, getting both goals by the fourth line. This time, it's Brandon Tanev taking the puck up the ice, cutting to the slot and beating Merzlikins by shooting back to the glove side under the bar. Shot are now 18-11 Blue Jackets, who've yet to get one in this second period.

GOAL, 2nd period 2:51: Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Seattle Kraken 1

Seattle's fourth line now in, "Anything you can do," mode to start the second. Tye Kartye bangs one past Merzlikins' right pad and inside the right post, cutting it to 2-1 Blue Jackets early in the second period. The Kraken needed that one. New addition, Dante Fabbro , fanned on his attempt to clear the puck from the low slot and wound up shaking his head in disgust after watching it slip past him to Kartye for the goal.

2nd period start: Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Seattle Kraken 0

The puck is back in play at Climate Pledge Arena, where the Blue Jackets are looking to continue attacking the Seattle Kraken while searching for a win to break a five-game slide. Let's just say the heat map for shot attempts via Natural Stat Trick heavily favors the guys from Ohio after one period.

This is, uh, quite a heat map right here favoring the Columbus Blue Jackets, who lead the Seattle Kraken 2-0 after one period ... yow.

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— Brian Hedger ( @brianhedger.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 10:58 PM

1st intermission: Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Seattle Kraken 0

After 20 minutes of the Blue Jackets pressuring the Kraken, it's time to let the smoke clear during the first break. The home side better push back soon or the visitors from Ohio could turn this one into a rout before it's halfway finished.

Tale of the tape after one shows it's all Blue Jackets over Kraken. Stats 5v5 via @naturalstattrick.com ->

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— Brian Hedger ( @brianhedger.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 10:50 PM

Two goals for the fourth line, scored by Kuraly and Aston-Reese, highlighted an outstanding period of hockey for the Blue Jackets. They've got a commanding 18-6 advantage in shots, a 2-0 lead and all the momentum after one period.

GOAL, 1st period 14:08: Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Seattle Kraken 0

Make it back-to-back tallies for the fourth line, this time Kuraly assisting Aston-Reese with a great pass from the right wing wall that his left winger redirected into the Kraken net for a two-goal cushion. Great stickwork from Aston-Reese on both goals.

Kevin Labanc picks up secondary assists on both goals.

Nov 12, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Sean Kuraly (7) celebrates with the bench after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

GOAL, 1st period 13:46: Columbus Blue Jackets 1, Seattle Kraken 0

After swarming the Kraken net while building a 13-4 edge in shots, the Blue Jackets finally break through against Daccord with a greasy goal from Sean Kuraly, fourth-line center. He cleans up a shot by Zach Aston-Reese that snuck through Daccord in the blue paint.

1st period, 8:01: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Seattle Kraken 0

The Blue Jackets sent the first eight shots of the game at Joey Daccord before the Kraken finally forced Elvis Merzlikins to make a save, which he did against Matty Beniers ' hard wrister from the left circle with 11:59 left in the first. No goals either way still.

Game start: Columbus Blue Jackets 0, Seattle Kraken 0

The Puck is on the ice at Climate Pledge Arena, where the Blue Jackets are trying to salvage at least one win over the Kraken in their four game road trip to the West Coast.

A look at tonight's lines, D, goalies and more as they get set to drop the puck in Seattle ->

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— Brian Hedger ( @brianhedger.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 10:03 PM

Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken: goaltending matchup

Columbus:Merzlikins gets another start after taking the loss Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings Crypto.com Arena to start a back-to-back that finished Sunday with Daniil Tarasov taking a loss to the Anaheim Ducks . The two have split the net evenly, seven starts apiece, and their numbers are similar. Entering this game, Merzlikins is 2-4-1 with a 2.89 goals-against average and .899 save percentage with one shutout. He's 2-2-0 with a 2.76 GAA and .906 save percentage in four starts against Seattle.

Mar 3, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) makes a save during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Seattle:Joey Daccord is making his second straight start for the Kraken, taking over sole possession of the top goaltending spot while Philipp Grubauer is out with an undisclosed injury. Daccord is 5-3-1 with a 2.79 GAA and .912 saver percentage in nine appearances this season. He's 2-0-0 with a 3.00 GAA and .909 save percentage in two career outings against Columbus.

Dante Fabbro making Columbus Blue Jackets debut vs Seattle Kraken

The Blue Jackets' blue line is getting another new look tonight with newly claimed defenseman Dante Fabbro making his debut with the team. Fabbro, 26, was claimed off waivers Sunday from the Nashville Predators and brings an experienced right-handed shot to the mix.

Fabbro, drafted 17th overall in 2016, will start as veteran Jack Johnson 's partner on the third defense pairing in Seattle. He'd fallen out of regular playing mix in Nashville, which is why the Predators put him on waivers. This will be Fabbro's 316th NHL game, however, and he's motivated to prove his ceiling hasn't been reached yet.

"I'm going to a place where I know a few people and a few players," Fabbro told the Dispatch on Sunday. "I think it's honestly an amazing situation to have some people I know and to feel, you know, that they wanted me. That feels good as a player."

Fabbro feels one of his biggest strengths is breaking the puck out of the defensive end cleanly, which both Jordan Harris and David Jiricek have struggled to do recently in that lineup spot. They're both healthy scratches tonight, while Fabbro gets his first shot to prove himself with the Blue Jackets.

Columbus Blue Jackets lineup at Seattle Kraken

Jan 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Dmitri Voronkov (10) and right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) celebrate a goal by defenseman Ivan Provorov (9), his second of the period, during the first period of the NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken at Nationwide Arena.

Lineup notes: Dante Fabbro doesn't have to wait long to make his Blue Jackets debut. After claiming him off waivers Sunday from the Nashville Predators, the Jackets are putting the 26-year old defensemen right into the action as Jack Johnson's partner on the right side of the third defense pairing. Other changes include Kevin Labanc and James van Riemsdyk continuing Dean Evason's game of musical chairs with the fourth line ― Labanc back in, van Riemsdyk out ― while Elvis Merzlikins starts in net.

Forward lines

19 Adam Fantilli — 23 Sean Monahan — 86 Kirill Marchenko

10 Dmitri Voronkov — 4 Cole Sillinger — 59 Yegor Chinakhov

82 Mikael Pyyhtia — 17 Justin Danforth — 24 Mathieu Olivier

27 Zach Aston-Reese — 7 Sean Kuraly — 62 Kevin Labanc

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (3) moves the puck away from Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry (90) and Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

Defense pairings

8 Zach Werenski — 78 Damon Severson

23 Jake Christiansen — 9 Ivan Provorov

3 Jack Johnson — 15 Dante Fabbro

Mar 3, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) takes the ice prior to the NHL hockey game against the Seattle Kraken at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Goalies

90 Elvis Merzlikins

40 Daniil Tarasov

Scratched:D David Jiricek, D Jordan Harris, F James van Riemsdyk

Injured:F Boone Jenner (shoulder surgery), D Erik Gudbranson (shoulder surgery), F Kent Johnson (shoulder) and F Gavin Brindley (fractured finger)

Seattle Kraken lineup vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Jan 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann (19) celebrates a goal by defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) during the third period of the NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets lost 7-4.

Lineup notes: The Kraken are sticking with the same lineup they used Friday in a victory against the Vegas Golden Knights . That means goalie Philipp Grubauer's undisclosed injury isn't healed enough for him to dress again, so Ales Stezka is back from AHL Coachella to handle the backup role behind Joey Daccord.

Forward lines

19 Jared McCann — 10 Matty Beniers — 7 Jordan Eberle

17 Jaden Schwartz — 9 Chandler Stephenson — 22 Oliver Bjorkstrand

20 Eeli Tolvanen — 51 Shane Wright — 95 Andre Burakovsky

12 Tye Kartye — 37 Yanni Gourde — 13 Brandon Tanev

Jan 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) and left wing Brandon Tanev (13) celebrate a goal by left wing Tye Kartye (52) during the second period of the NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

Defense pairings

41 Ryker Evans — 6 Adam Larsson

24 Jamie Oleksiak — 62 Brandon Montour

28 Josh Mahura — 3 Will Borgen

Jan 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (35) stops a shot from Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger (4) during the second period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena.

Goalies

35 Joey Daccord

30 Ales Stezka

Scratched:F Daniel Sprong

Injured:G Philipp Grubauer (undisclosed), D Vince Dunn (undisclosed)

Refs for @BlueJacketsNHL @SeattleKraken are Wes McCauley (#4) and Gord Dwyer (#19). Tonight's officials: https://scoutingtherefs.com/2024/11/46249/todays-nhl-referees-and-linespersons-11-12-24/ #CBJvsSEA #CBJ #SeaKraken

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— Scouting the Refs ( @scoutingtherefs.bsky.social ) November 12, 2024 at 8:28 PM

Who are the officials for Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken?

Referee:Wes McCauley (4)

Referee:Gord Dwyer (19)

Lines official:Bevan Mills (53)

Lines official:Trent Knorr (74)

Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken history

All-time record:The Blue Jackets are 2-4-0 in six games against the Kraken, including 1-2-0 in Seattle since the expansion franchise joined the NHL. The Jackets have also lost the past four games in the series, dating back to Jan. 28, 2023. Columbus swept the Kraken with overtime victories in Seattle's first season and the Blue Jackets haven't beaten the Kraken since.
Last meeting:Things couldn't have gone much worse for the Blue Jackets on Jan. 28 last season in Seattle, where they fell behind 3-0 in the first period of a 4-2 loss and lost star rookie Adam Fantilli to a season-ending calf laceration in the second period. Jordan Eberle scored two of Seattle's first three goals, while James McCann scored the other one. McCann's skate also cut Fantilli along the boards on the right wing, after the rookie slid over to deliver a body check. Yegor Chinakhov scored two goals in the third for the Blue Jackets, pulling them within 3-2, but Brandon Tanev sealed the win for Seattle by scoring into an empty net with 13 seconds left.
2024 matchups:Nov. 12 in Seattle; Jan. 9, 2025 in Columbus

Mar 3, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) makes a save in front of Seattle Kraken center Yanni Gourde (37) during the third period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets lost 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Tuesday, Nov. 12

Spread:Blue Jackets (+1.5)
Over/under:6
Moneyline:Blue Jackets +125, Kings -150

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) protects the puck from Seattle Kraken defenseman Adam Larsson (6) attempts to defend in the third period of the NHL game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio Oct. 16. The Blue Jackets would win the game 2-1 in overtime.

Game lines and odds from FanDuel as of Tuesday, Nov. 12

Spread:Blue Jackets (+1.5)
Over/under:6.5
Moneyline:Blue Jackets +128, Kings -154

Winnipeg Jets center Cole Perfetti (91), Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8), Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mikael Pyyhtia (82) and Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) watch the action during the first period at Nationwide Arena on November 1, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus Blue Jackets news

Ducks 4, Blue Jackets 2: Takeaways

Rewind: the Blue Jackets' winless skid hits five

Dante Fabbro joins the Blue Jackets' blue line via waivers

Kings 5, Blue Jackets 2: Takeaways

Rewind: Kings topple Blue Jackets in L.A.

3 takeaways from the Blue Jackets' missed opportunity in San Jose

Rewind: Sharks top Blue Jackets in OT on Wennberg snipe

Blue Jackets notes: coaching staff sends a message

Columbus Blue Jackets November 2024 schedule, record

Jan 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) skates up ice past Seattle Kraken defenseman Brian Dumoulin (8) during the first period of the NHL hockey game at Nationwide Arena.

Here's a look at the Blue Jackets' schedule for November, along with start times, television, and radio information of upcoming games:

Friday, Nov. 1: Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets (L, 6-2) ; Takeaways ; Photos
Saturday, Nov. 2: Blue Jackets at Capitals (L, 7-2) ; Takeaways
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Blue Jackets at Sharks (OTL, 2-1); Takeaways
Saturday, Nov. 9: Blue Jackets at Kings (L, 5-2) ; Takeaways
Sunday, Nov. 10: Blue Jackets at Ducks (L,4-2) ; Takeaways
Tuesday, Nov. 12:Blue Jackets at Kraken | 10 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Friday, Nov. 15:Blue Jackets vs Penguins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus
Saturday, Nov. 16:Blue Jackets at Canadiens | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Monday, Nov. 18:Blue Jackets at Boston Bruins | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Thursday, Nov. 21:Blue Jackets vs Lightning | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Saturday, Nov. 23:Blue Jackets vs Hurricanes | 7 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Wednesday, Nov. 27:Blue Jackets vs Canadiens | 7:30 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 97.1 The Fan
Friday, Nov. 29:Blue Jackets vs Calgary Flames | 3 p.m. | FanDuel Sports Network Ohio | 93.3 The Bus
November Record:0-5-0, 8th place, Metropolitan Division