Columbus Blue Jackets put together a full 60 minutes of hockey Wednesday night on their way to a victory over Toronto. The scene is set for a huge showdown with Pittsburgh on Friday.
The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 Wednesday night on the back of some of their youngest and brightest talent. The full team win was a welcomed occurrence in a stretch of inconsistency. The win puts the Jackets in sole possession of third place in the Metropolitan division, two points ahead of the Rangers.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
| Blue Jackets | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Maple Leafs | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Josh Anderson kicked off the scoring with a goal four minutes in past former Jacket Curtis McElhinney. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo came up huge numerous times in the first 10 minutes keeping the game tied at zero. Not long after the halfway mark of the first period, Boone Jenner got in on the action with a goal off a rebound. From that point, the Jackets never looked back.
Oliver Bjorkstrand netted his first goal of the year on a breakaway early in the second period. The goal was sprung by an outlet pass by Alex Wennberg. Wennberg’s assist was his 35th on the year. Nick Foligno took a puck off his hip from Zach Werenski during a Jackets power play that found its way into the net. The power play goal ended a nine game scoreless drought for the power play unit.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Nazem Kadri scored twice for the Leafs. One late in the second and the other early in the third period to make the game 4-2. The Leafs had a late power play and pulled McElhinney to take force a 6 on 4 advantage but Matt Calvert put away the empty net goal to seal the Blue Jackets victory in front of the rowdy midweek crowd.
Oliver Bjorkstrands Big Game
Bjorkstrand came up to the big league team replacing the injured Scott Hartnell. Hartnell left the game Monday with a lower body injury and is considered day-to-day.
Coach John Tortorella put Bjorkstrand on the first line with Saad and Wennberg to take advantage of the youngster’s skill. Bjorkstrand’s second period goal was a thing of beauty as he beat McElhinney glove side on a breakaway.
Bjorkstrand played very well offensively with three shots and 13:21 of ice time. But what is most impressive was his checking. If that play continues he mind find himself with the Blue Jackets more often.
Although the Columbus Blue Jackets put away five goals they were saved early on by the play of their young goal keeper Joonas Korpisalo. Korpisalo came up big for the boys in blue early and often. Stopping a tremendous goal opportunity by Leo Kamarov.
Friday Night Showdown Set
The stage is set for a big time Metropolitan game against Pittsburgh on Friday. The last time these two teams played, the Penguins got the best of the Jackets in a hard fought overtime game.
Coach John Tortorella wants the Jackets to take this home stand one game at a time, but a victory on Friday would go a long way in building consistency down the stretch. Building off three solid games in a row and two wins, this Jacket team is starting to look like one of the best in the league. See you all at Nationwide on Friday.