Columbus Blue Jackets shutout Devils 3-0

Feb 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy (12) defends against Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) without his stick during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy (12) defends against Columbus Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky (17) without his stick during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets bounced back Sunday evening with a three-goal win against Metropolitan foe the New Jersey Devils. The two teams will play each other again on Tuesday back in Columbus.

0. 85. 3. 113. Final

Bobrovsky Record Breaker

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the New Jersey Devils Sunday evening 3-0. Sergei Bobrovsky turned away all 20 shots he faced. The win was Bobrovsky’s 34th on the season. The win breaks the franchise record of 33 wins held by Steve Mason from the 2008-2009 season. Bobrovsky also tallied his 17th career shutout. This is the first time in Bobrovsky’s career he has registered back to back shutouts. The first of those shutouts came from the win against the Wild last Thursday.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

Quincey Comes Up Big Early Against Former Team

The game was scoreless after the first period. Newcomer and former Devil Kyle Quincey hooked Kyle Palmieri early in the first when Palmieri had a clear path to a goal. The penalty gave the Devils a brief five-on-three man advantage that the Blue Jackets penalty kill unit handled soundly. The play could be labeled as a “good” penalty that kept the Devils from mounting any sort of chance against the Blue Jackets.

Jenner Finds Form

The Blue Jackets took the game over from that point on. Boone Jenner started the scoring with a rebound put back in front of the net. The goal was typical of the Jenner-Dubinsky-Atkinson line that has been rock steady for John Tortorella this season. The goal was Jenner’s 13th on the year and Cam Atkinson’s and Brandon Dubinsky’s 26th and 24th assist respectfully.

Bjorkstrand Impresses

Oliver Bjorkstrand continues to be the best roster move the Blue Jackets made at the deadline with his third goal since he has joined the big league team. Bjorkstrand skated into the slot and netted the puck glove side on Devil goalie Corey Schneider. Bjorkstrand’s goal was a showcase of the incredible type of offense skill the young man possesses.

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Gagner Finds The Net Again

Bjorkstrand was paired with Scott Hartnell and Sam Gagner Sunday evening. This line would grace the score sheet in the third period when Gagner put away his second goal in as many nights to cap off the three goal victory in New Jersey. Gagner had fallen off a bit before scoring Saturday night. Before the game against the Senators, he had not scored since December 23rd. The Jackets have shown all year the ability to get scoring from a multitude of players and lines. Gagner has played a large role this season in having four lines that can put the puck in the net.

Anderson Leaves Game Early

Another skater who seen his name on the score sheet often this year is rookie Josh Anderson. Anderson left the game in the second period with a noticeable knee injury. If Anderson misses the rematch game on Tuesday the forward depth of the team will continued to be tested with Matt Calvert and Lukas Sedlak still out with oblique injuries.