COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets and Vegas Golden Knights remain tied 1-1 after 40 minutes Saturday night at Nationwide Arena, with neither team able to break through during a scoreless second period.
Columbus opened the scoring in the first period when defenseman Denton Mateychuk scored his second goal of the season at 11:51, with Kent Johnson and Valeri Nichushkin collecting assists. Vegas answered at 17:13 on Tomas Hertl's fifth goal of the season, sending the teams into the first intermission tied.
The second period featured opportunities at both ends, but goaltenders Cam Talbot and Carter Hart kept the score even. Talbot turned aside chances from Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, and Shea Theodore, while Hart stopped attempts from Zach Werenski, Sean Monahan, and Mateychuk.
Columbus had several additional shots blocked by Vegas defenders, while Mateychuk and Damon Severson contributed blocked shots at the other end to help keep the Golden Knights off the scoreboard.
The Blue Jackets came particularly close to taking the lead in the final minute when Monahan hit the left post with a snap shot, but the puck stayed out.
Columbus is looking to snap a two-game losing streak after Tuesday's 6-2 defeat to Toronto. Vegas also entered Saturday having lost two straight, setting up an important final 20 minutes for both teams.
With the score tied 1-1, the Blue Jackets will need to capitalize on their opportunities in the third period while continuing to limit Vegas' scoring chances.
