By Joe “Big Head” Coopersmith
GAME AT A GLANCE
THREE STARS 1st – A. Matthews, TOR (2-1-3); 2nd – W. Nylander, TOR (1-2-3); 3rd – J. Danforth, CBJ (1-0-1)
GOAL SCORERS
Columbus: J. Danforth (8)
Toronto: A. Matthews (27), J. Tavares (10), PP – A. Matthews (28), SH – W. Nylander (16)
GOALTENDERS
Columbus: D. Tarasov (26 saves, L)
Toronto: M. Jones (27 saves, W)
SPECIAL TEAMS
Columbus PP: 0-for-4, 6 shots
Toronto PP: 1-for-2, 5 shots
BLUE JACKETS TEAM NOTES
- The Blue Jackets fell to 7-7-2 in the last 16 games overall and 4-4-2 in the last 10 games at Nationwide Arena following tonight’s loss to the Maple Leafs.
- The winning team in the series has scored four-plus goals in 17 of the last 20 games, including 13 of the last 14 meetings.
- Columbus blocked 13 shots tonight and has been credited with 452 blocked shots over the past 24 contests dating back to Nov. 6 and 661 in 35 games this season.
- With C Adam Fantilli’s assist tonight, CBJ rookies have now posted 16-29-45 in 35 games this season.
- The Blue Jackets played their eighth of 21 Saturday games tonight.
BLUE JACKETS PLAYER NOTES
- RW Justin Danforth scored a goal and now has 2-2-4 in the past seven contests. With 8-7-15 in 35 outings this season, he has set single-season career highs in assists and points. The forward has scored a goal in both games of the season series vs. Toronto (2-1-3).
- LW Johnny Gaudreau registered an assist to extend his points streak to five-straight games (2-5-7) and give him 5-11-16 in his last 18 outings. He now has 7-11-18 in 26 career games against Toronto, recording 2-5-7 in his past eight outings vs. the club overall.
- C Adam Fantilli tallied an assist, giving him 1-3-4 in the last four outings and 9-11-20 in 35 appearances this season. Among players to debut with the Blue Jackets, only three recorded their first 20 career points in 35 games or fewer: Zach Werenski (28 GP), Marko Dano (33 GP) and Derick Brassard (35 GP).
BLUE JACKETS POST-GAME AUDIO INTERVIEWS
HC Pascal Vincent | F Justin Danforth | F Adam Fantilli | D Erik Gudbranson
MAPLE LEAFS POST-GAME AUDIO INTERVIEWS
HC Sheldon Keefe | F Auston Matthews | F William Nylander | F John Tavares
BLUE JACKETS UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Sun.-Tue., Dec. 24 -26 No Practice – Holiday Break
Wednesday, Dec. 27 7pm ET at New Jersey Devils – Prudential Center
Thursday, Dec 28 12pm ET Practice – Nationwide Arena
COURTESY BLUE JACKETS COMMUNICATIONS
