NHL News: Blue Jackets extend point streak to 7 games, Patrik Laine in Columbus, Kevin Fiala suspended and more
Anthony Scultore
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It was an odd Friday night on the NHL schedule with only one game on the docket. The Blue Jackets (4-2-3) on the strength of an Oliver Bjorkstrand two point night defeated the Blackhawks in Chicago (2-4-3) 2-1. The win extends Columbus’ point streak to 7 games (4-0-3).
NHL Scores: Jackets extend point streak
While Bjorkstrand was the hero on the score sheet, the win was on the back of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. The young goalie turned aside 31 of 32 shots to keep the streak alive.
“He was our best player tonight,” head coach John Tortorella said. “We looked like a tired team. We played a lot of hockey, first back-to-back traveling, we weren’t as sharp as we’d like to be, but Korpisalo was easily our best player.”
NHL News: Patrik Laine arrives in Columbus
The Blue Jackets sent a private jet to Ottawa to pick up their new star Patrik Laine yesterday. He should be making his debut soon for Columbus.
In a recent interview, John Tortorella talked a little about Laine and who he might play with. “I’ve had conversations with Patrik, a couple of them yesterday. He’s a very intelligent guy – wants to know who he’s playing with – what’s the PP setup.”
He then revealed that Laine will likely start on a line with Max Domi. Torts did also admit he has a few different lineups and will decide when the time comes.
NHL News Kevin Fiala suspended 3 games
Kevin Fiala of the Minnesota Wild will miss the next three games after this dangerous hit on L.A. Kings defenseman Matt Roy. In context of the 56 game season, this likely would have been a 5-7 games suspension in an 82 game schedule.
COVID hits Vegas
More COVID related postponements as the Vegas Golden Knights have coaches and players impacted. Head coach Peter DeBoer and star defender Alex Pietrangelo are the latest added to the NHL’s COVID protocol list.
The National Hockey League announced today that the games currently scheduled for February 1 and February 3 between the Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks have been postponed and will be rescheduled for later in the season in San Jose. Currently, four members of the Golden Knights, including three coaches, are being isolated in connection with the League’s COVID Protocol. The team’s training facilities will remain closed until further notice.