Oilers-Blue Jackets Recap: Return of Roli the Goalie

The Blue Jackets came back shortly after the penalty kill as Zherdev blasted a shot that was blocked by Staios. The Oiler broke out immediately and a great pass from Nilsson was deflected by Cogliano in front by Norrena. No chance for the goalie on that one.

2-1 Oiler at 9:27

The Oiler continued the pressure with Gagner, Horcoff and Hemsky but were unable to inflict further damage. Columbus came back with Nash getting a good chance as he flew by Staios and a quick shot almost beat Roloson. A quick counter attack by the Oilers gave the line of Cogliano, Penner and Nilsson another chance. The speed of that line is incredible and it gave the Blue Jackets problems all game.

Columbus again threatened with 4 minutes to go and as Zherdev was about to unload he was hooked by Stoll. The Jackets continued on the delayed penalty for an additional 30 seconds before the Oilers were able to get possession of the puck and stop the play. The Oilers had killed 4 of 5 penalties in the game and really needed a big kill late in the game.

Columbus had some good possession and puck movement for the first minute. Steve Staios was called for shooting the puck over the glass with 1:01 left in Stoll’s penalty so Columbus will have a 5 on 3 advantage. The big kill that was needed became even bigger. The Jackets got possession off the face-off and some good puck movement allowed Vyborny to set up Nash in close and Roloson made a big save.

The Oilers killed Stoll’s penalty and the Jackets continued to press. Some frantic action in front of Roloson looked sure to even the game but Roloson made two big saves. Columbus pulled the goalie with a minute left and won a face-off deep in the Oiler zone. Horcoff then made a great diving block to prevent a point shot. Columbus then crashed the net with Manny Malhotra and Nash having good chances but Roloson stood tall and kept the puck out. The Oilers were then able to bang the puck by Peca at the blue-line and Hemsky picked up the puck 2 on 1 with Horcoff. He neatly deked Klesla and skated in alone on the empty net where he made no mistake.

3-1 Oilers

The last 16 seconds ticked off the clock and the Oilers had the victory.

The goal-tending controversy that was brewing after Mathieu Garon had started four of five games and had looked great in the process is over. #1 goaltender Dwayne Roloson claimed his job again with two big games in a row resulting in two victories and some stellar play. The Oiler penalty killers did a good job again tonight allowing only one goal on seven chances. The Oiler now travel to Colorado to meet the Avalanche on Wednesday.
 

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