Kochetkov and the Posts Hold Off the Blue Jackets
Fantilli and Werenski both ring iron as Carolina, already atop the East, wins a tight one at home 3-2
Carolina won a game that was closer than its chances suggested. That's because Pyotr Kochetkov kept stopping Columbus's best looks, and the goal frame stopped two more.
The Blue Jackets got to the dangerous areas plenty. Kochetkov turned aside 12 of 13 high-danger chances, the shots from right in front where goals usually come. He finished with 24 saves on 26 shots. Then the bounces went Carolina's way: Adam Fantilli and Zach Werenski each hit a post. Those two shots were worth 1.02 expected goals, meaning they would usually add up to about one goal. On a night decided by one goal, that was the game.
Carolina had slightly the better of the chances overall. Logan Stankoven, Mark Jankowski and Jordan Martinook scored. Seth Jarvis set up two goals while skating with Jankowski and Martinook. Kent Johnson and Denton Mateychuk answered for Columbus, which went 1 for 3 on the power play.
The win moves Carolina to 10-2-2, still first in the East. Columbus falls to 5-5-0 and sits ninth in the wildcard race.
