Justin Danforth leads Blue Jackets past Flames

[October 21, 2023]  Justin Danforth and Zach Werenski each collected one goal and one assist and goaltender Spencer Martin won for the first time since Dec. 27, 2022, as the host Columbus Blue Jackets claimed a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday.
 
Sean Kuraly also scored for the Blue Jackets, who responded with a solid effort after a dismal performance in their last outing. Martin, who went into the game having lost his last 11 decisions, made 36 saves. He was claimed off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29. 

Oct 20, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom, bottom left, defends the net as Columbus Blue Jackets center Jack Roslovic (96) battles for the puck against Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin (55) in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Elias Lindholm replied for the Flames, while goalie Jacob Markstrom stopped 26 shots. The Flames opened the season with a home-ice victory but have just one win in four outings (1-2-1) on their current five-game road swing.

The Blue Jackets planned to start Elvis Merzlikins in goal, but he was not considered fully healthy from illness, so he served as backup. It was a wise decision with Martin coming through for them.

Martin received the offensive boost necessary, starting with Kuraly's first goal of the season at 6:29 of the second period. Kuraly led the way on a two-on-one rush and elected to shoot instead of passing, burying a far-side shot.

It's the first time this season the Blue Jackets have opened the scoring in a game and first time the Flames have surrendered the game's first goal.

Danforth doubled the lead with his second goal of the season at 8:45 of the third period. The Columbus fourth line had a dominating shift that ended when Jack Roslovic fired a cross-ice pass to Danforth and he immediately buried the one-timer from the bottom of the left circle.

Lindholm responded with his team's second short-handed goal of the season, and his second overall goal of the campaign, by capitalizing on a breakaway chance two minutes later.

However, Calgary's comeback hopes were dashed by Werenski's empty-net goal with 2:21 remaining.

Just before the final buzzer, Calgary's Rasmus Andersson delivered a jarring check on Columbus star Patrik Laine, which led to a gathering of both teams, but cooler heads prevailed.

--Field Level Media

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