COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets and Vegas Golden Knights are tied 1-1 after the first period Saturday night at Nationwide Arena, with both teams finding the net during the final nine minutes of the opening period.
Columbus struck first at the 11:51 mark when defenseman Denton Mateychuk scored his second goal of the season, with Kent Johnson and Valeri Nichushkin collecting assists.
Vegas responded at 17:13 when Tomas Hertl scored his fifth goal of the season, tying the game at 1-1.
Cam Talbot got the start in net for Columbus, while Carter Hart started for Vegas. Both goaltenders faced scoring opportunities throughout the opening period, keeping the game close.
The Blue Jackets are looking to end a two-game losing streak after Tuesday's disappointing 6-2 loss to Toronto. Vegas also enters Saturday having lost two straight games, both by identical 6-2 scores.
With the game tied after 20 minutes, Columbus will look to build on its solid start and avoid the second-period struggles that have plagued the team early this season.
