Columbus Blue Jackets: Artemi Panarin scores first goal with CBJ in style

Artemi Panarin became became the first Columbus Blue Jackets player to record three assists or three points in a team debut one week ago. Now, “The Breadman” has scored his first goal as a part of the CBJ.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers played each other tough Friday night, and neither goaltender wanted to break first.

Sergei Bobrovsky had shut down all of New York’s pushes all night except a Kevin Hayes goal after a sloppy Seth Jones turnover in the first period. Henrik Lundqvist was doing much of the same on the other end as he stopped all shots except one heading into third, with the only goal against him coming off a deflection off his own teammate.

That all changed in the final regulation period, though. Just under seven and half minutes into the third, Artemi Panarin broke the 1-1 tie and put the Blue Jackets ahead for the first time in the game.

Dekin’ & Breakin’ Ankles

When Panarin got the puck on his stick in the CBJ defensive zone, he had no intention of letting it leave his stick before shooting. So he made sure that happened, but as Panarin usually does, he did it with style.

Deking out a seemingly exhausted Kevin Hayes first before crossing the blue line, Panarin skated to the left faceoff circle in NYR’s zone as Kevin Shattenkirk attempted to defend one-on-one. Shattenkirk turned his body toward the bench-side boards, but Panarin quickly shifted directions and put the puck on the forehand. With Shattenkirk unable to quickly flip around and block or even alter the shot, Artemi fired the puck toward Henrik Lundqvist. Hank wasn’t quick enough and the horn, CBJ fans and eventually, the cannon sounded to signal a Blue Jackets goal.

Panarin’s goal would end up being the game-winning one as the CBJ took down the Rangers by a score of 3-1. The CBJ’s final goal of the night would come at the hands of Lukas Sedlak, who scored on New York’s empty net.

Recap: CBJ victorious over Rangers

We’re Happy

The sheer joy of Panarin after he scored brought smiles to every Columbus Blue Jackets fan. It had to. Just look at him! And the excitement the rest of his team had for him was incredible too.

This team seems to really love playing together. Whether it’s Brandon Dubinsky picking up Pierre-Luc Dubois‘ first career goal-scoring puck in the season opener, or Seth Jones and David Savard poking fun at each other after an overtime win in Carolina, or Cam Atkinson‘s bear hug with Artemi Panarin after The Breadman’s first goal in Columbus, the team shows a love and chemistry that is essential for championship contenders.

And can we get another picture of Artemi Panarin’s smile?

Ah, that’s great. We can’t wait until we can see it again. How about tonight in Minnesota, eh?