Oct 22, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight the Columbus Blue Jackets re-assured fans that Sunday’s win over the Canucks was not a fluke. While the Devils are by no means one of the elite teams in the NHL right now, but the CBJ once against performed as a cohesive unit and dominated the game from the 2nd period on.
The game got off to a slow start and neither side really had any notable scoring chances. Six and a half minutes into the 2nd, New Jersey’s Michael Ryder opened the scoring, and there was some sense of dread in CBJ land. However, 3 minutes later Brandon Dubinsky got in front of the net on the Power Play and was able to tap in a quick goal to tie the game back up. Cam Atkinson followed with a flashy backhand goal about six minutes later to end the scoring for the period.
In the 3rd, James Wisniewski (battling a nasty stomach bug) snapped a wrist shot off a Devils defenseman and into the net, to make it 3-1 Jackets. Marion Gaborik scored the empty netter to finish the game, 4-1.
Post Game Quick Notes:
-The Devils were pretty good on the penalty kill, but the Jackets did manage to go 1/3 on the PP. One surprise was that Ryan Murray was given a chance (at the expense of Fedor Tyutin) on the PP unit. Murray is the future of the CBJ blue-line and I am happy to see him get a chance on the man advantage. They CBJ are giving Murray the chance to make the most of this opportunity. At the beginning of the season I was concerned he would be under utilized. So far that has not been the case.
-The Jackets did not rely on the PP and created scoring chances at even strength. They got bodies in front of Schneider and pucks on net. Cam’s goal showed what happens when you take a chance and put a shot on net. Dubinsky’s PP goal showed how having a body in front of the net can pay off.
-Controlled Chaos summed up the 3rd. In several post game interviews, the players expressed a sense of urgency in the 3rd. However, from the fans standpoint the CBJ were in control the entire time. Honestly the fans really had no real doubt that the Jackets would finish off the Devils. It is not very often that we get such a comfortable 3rd period.
-During the morning skate it was noted that James Wisniewski was sick and his status for tonight was unknown. Well, Wisniewski suited up and had a hell of a game. In fact it was his best performance of the season so far. However, it was a rough day and a rough night for Wiz:
#CBJ D James Wisniewski had only a bowl of cereal to eat today, he said. Also said he vomited pink energy fluid twice on ice during game.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 23, 2013
-Things really are coming together and this Jackets team is starting to resemble the one that left the ice at the end of last season.
The Jackets will be back in action on Friday, against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Union and Blue will have all of your pre and post game coverage!