Philadelphia Flyers @ Columbus Blue Jackets – #CBJ1000: Reaction & Three Stars
By Mark Huss
Jan 23, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman
Jack Johnson(7) celebrates a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Flyers @ Columbus Blue Jackets
Thursday, January 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
| Period 1 | Period 2 | Period 3 | Final | |
| Blue Jackets | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Flyers | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Right from the start the Blue Jackets looked ready, willing, and able to keep the streak alive. Other than Jack Johnson‘s goal, one of the best highlights of the first period was the pass from Johansen to Umberger. Great vision, even better pass from Johansen, it was to bad Umberger couldn’t bury it in the back of the net. The Blue Jackets as a team were right in the face of Emery for a good portion of the first period, which was a big part of their success, combined with getting pucks toward the net.
Jan 23, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center
Vincent Lecavalier(40) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
The second period was a tale of two Blue Jackets teams, the first ten minutes were not good, to put it lightly. Right away the Flyers jumped on the Blue Jackets and it led them to two goals in the first ten minutes. The Blue Jackets were sloppy in their own end, and weren’t able to move the puck into the offensive zone successfully – it was a reminder of their play in the beginning of the season.
The second half of the second period was all Blue Jackets though, and they added two goals of their own. Columbus went back to getting pucks toward the net and putting the pressure on the Flyers in their own zone. The power play put on a clinic to get the Jackets back into the game as well – unlike the first opportunity Columbus had in the first period when they had a man advantage for four minutes and barely did any damage.
Jan 23, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing
Nathan Horton(8) battles for the puck with Philadelphia Flyers center
Claude Giroux(28) during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Which Blue Jackets team was going to come out in the third period? The team that has been on a winning streak, or the team that started the beginning of the season? We saw both during CBJ’s 1,000th NHL game. Luckily Columbus kept their 3-2 lead, and even added two more to inflict more pain to the Flyers. Both Dubinsky and Horton sealed the deal for the Blue Jackets and led the charge in the third period to finish of Philadelphia. Some not so great moments in the second period, but they were quickly forgotten once the Blue Jackets woke back up!
EIGHT WINS IN ROW! THE BLUE JACKETS ARE SLOWLY BUT STEADILY CLIMBING UP THE METROPOLITAN DIVISION STANDINGS!
Union & Blue Three Stars Of The Game
Honorable Mention – Sergei Bobrovsky – Quietly had a good game, stopped 26 of 28 shots.
Third Star – Nathan Horton – Scored a highlight reel goal!
Second Star – Derek MacKenzie – Led the 4th line bringing the energy & scored a goal!
First Star – Brandon Dubinsky – A goal and an assist tonight, solid game from Dubinsky!