Werenski owns overtime blunder: 'I f---ed that one up'

Ailish Forfar
·NHL Editor
·1 min read
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 1: Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets prepares for a face-off during an NHL game against the Buffalo Sabres on February 1, 2020 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Sara Schmidle/NHLI via Getty Images)
Zach Werenski took the blame after an OT blunder cost Columbus the game. (Photo by Sara Schmidle/NHLI via Getty Images)

Zach Werenski was schooled by Brayden Point in overtime of Monday night’s matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Blue Jackets defenseman gained possession of the puck at centre ice and proceeded to skate all the way back behind his own goal to allow for fresh legs and a regroup. Point’s effective forecheck position sent Werenski on an another lallygagging loop behind the goal where the Lightning forward pounced with a quick stick and and set up a tic-tac-toe winner to Nikita Kucherov.

Take this as a lesson on what not to do in overtime.

It was a simple lack of urgency from Werenski, and on top of that, terrible defensive zone coverage from teammates Nick Foligno and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

The Blue Jackets desperately needed the extra point as they’re currently hanging onto a wild-card spot with 70 points. After the game, Werenski didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the play that cost Columbus extra cushion from the Philadelphia Flyers who are knocking on the door right behind them with 69 points.

The Blue Jackets face the Flyers twice next week with an opportunity to gain some space in the playoff picture, while the Lightning now sit three points back of the Atlantic-leading Boston Bruins with a game in hand.

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