Kraken Clamp Down on Blue Jackets in a Show of Home Ice Dominance

The Columbus Blue Jackets, with a record of 29-20, faced off against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena and were handed a 2-4 defeat. The Kraken's victory improved their record to 55-15.

In what was an intense matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets found themselves trailing early as the Seattle Kraken capitalized on opportunities to take a commanding lead in the first period. Despite not scoring in the initial two periods, the Blue Jackets managed to net two goals during even strength play in the third period. Their efforts were supported by firing off 32 shots and delivering 20 hits throughout the game.

The Blue Jackets' goaltender had an active night with 22 saves but ultimately took a loss due to three goals conceded during play and one empty-netter that sealed their fate. The team's defense blocked an impressive number of shots, totaling at twenty for the game. However, they struggled in faceoffs, winning only twenty-five out of sixty-one attempts which translated into a forty-one percent success rate at the dot.

Special teams did not fare well for Columbus either; they failed to convert on two powerplay opportunities and only managed one shot during those chances. Their penalty kill allowed two goals from three shorthanded situations while managing just one shot when down a man.

On offense, despite their late surge with two even-strength goals bringing them within striking distance of tying up proceedings, it wasn't enough against Seattle's solid defensive performance which included ten blocked shots and sixteen hits that kept Columbus at bay most of the night.

Looking ahead after this tough road loss, fans can catch The Columbus Blue Jackets next as they visit St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center on January 31st at 8:00 PM EST. This upcoming match will be broadcasted nationally on NHL Network channel 215 and locally for away fans on BSOH channel 660 as well as home fans tuning into BSMW channel 671.