Post-Game Reaction: CBJ/CAR

Monday night’s game saw a tight, fast-paced tilt between the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets. Despite blowing multiple power play opportunities, the Jackets managed to come out on top with a 4-3 win. I think every post-game interview will have the same aura of excitement, as I’m sure the players are riding high off of a late third period comeback.

September 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center

(19) is congratulated by teammates after his 2nd period goal against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Artem Anisimov opened the scoring, putting home Cam Atkinson’s pass in the first period. Not to be outdone, however, Jeff Skinner fired home a goal of his own on a power play before the period ended. Right from the get-go, fans and players could tell this would be a good one.

September 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing

(10) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Hurricanes 5-4. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

In the second, the Jackets’ recently acquired Corey Tropp got some puck luck and managed to feather a puck over a flailing Justin Peters. After Carolina killed 4 consecutive penalties, Jeff Skinner, again on the PP, found himself alone in the slot and fired it home over McKenna’s glove, setting us up for barnburner of a third period.

Halfway through the third, Jordan Staal made his way around Ryan Johansen, who, for the record, was inhibited by the official, and found Alexander Semin in the high slot, and he put it in the open net. However, don’t count out Columbus, as Ryan Johansen took a Nick Foligno pass with speed and roofed it over Peters’ glove on a breakaway to tie the game. Then, just two minutes later, some nice passing ended up with the puck on Jack Skille‘s stick, who found room where there seemed to be none and rifled it over Peters’ shoulder.

September 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center

(43) is congratulated by teammate Columbus Blue Jackets center

(17) after his game winning goal during the 3rd period against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Hurricanes 5-4. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

All things considered, this was a fantastic game, particularly for Jackets fans; tight down the stretch, with necessary chippiness. I, for one, believe this is the start of a great rivalry between two new divisional foes, and I look forward to seeing more CBJ/CAR games.

NOTES: Mike McKenna‘s first win in a game he started since 3/29/09