Snapping a long losing streak, the Blue Jackets battled back for a thrilling overtime victory, with Adam Fantilli delivering the decisive blow.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were back in action last night against the Anaheim Ducks. They come into this game, having struggled over their last five-to-six games. Which included a five game losing streak that started all the way back on Dec. 6th.
However, last night, they were able to stick with it and earn an overtime win at home. At one point, it looked like things were going to fall apart when they gave up the tying goal late in the third period. But thanks to Adam Fantilli and his overtime heroics, they were able to get a win and snap their losing streak.
Their attention now turns to Thursday when they face off against the Minnesota Wild. This is their last game at home until after the Christmas break. They will head out on the road to California to take on the Ducks again and the Los Angeles Kings.
But, before that here are some quotes from both team about last night's game.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dean Evason - Head Coach
- Felt that things may go sideways after they gave up the goal to the Ducks
- Happy that they pushed through and get the win in OT
- Proud of his group for staying the course and played hard
- Felt that this team finally caught a break
- The game didn't have the feel of sag or "here we go again"
- Happy that the team killed the four penalties
- Doesn't have a concern that they gave up the lead and the game went to OT
- Mentioned that the coaching staff is always looking at personnel
- Felt that the defense played really well in the third period
- Feels that the team is going to get passed the issues that they've had because they are getting rewarded
- Happy with how Fantilli has played
Adam Fantilli
- Felt comfortable taking the puck by himself on the OT win
- Feels that the win is huge, and a step in the right direction
- Intensity level is in a good spot
- Team recognizes that they need to collect points before Christmas
- Team feels that things are going to start falling for them soon
- Isn't mad with the Ducks' third period goal
Boone Jenner
- Win was huge especially before the Holiday break
- Felt that the team responded well after giving up the third period goal
- Team wasn't worried about the third period goal - it was a bank shot
- Team knows what is at stake, and knows they need to be resilient
- Time to get back to work and get rid for Thursday
- Praised Werenski's for his skill
- Credited the PK for giving them juice in the game
- Felt they played well in the third, but teams are going to push
- Mentioned that Fantilli was determined to score that OT goal
Zach Werenski
- Felt that the team dialled in the details
- If they play like they did last night, they will win more games than not
- Felt that they needed to match their pace, however, it is important to just play their way
- Felt that they checked well
- Most importantly, they found a way to win
- Their mindset now is to move forward and get ready for Thursday
- Not surprised by Fantilli's efforts in OT, feels he can do it more
- Big moment for their group
Anaheim Ducks
Joel Quenneville - Head Coach
- Felt that they did a lot of good things
- Happy that they took the point after being down by two goals
- Feels the team can be generous with the puck
- Happy with the road trip overall
- Team is excited about playing back home
Jackson LaCombe
- Felt that the second period they let their foot of the gas
- Need to play a full 60 minute game
- Credit to Columbus, they are a good team
- Need to bare down and play a full 60 minutes to stay into games
- Not thrilled about not getting two points but will take one after how they started the game
Up Next: The Jackets are back at home to play the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
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