Columbus Blue Jackets Dominate “Rivalry Night” Matchup vs. Buffalo

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (77) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres on October 25, 2017, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Blue Jackets defeated the Sabres (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Josh Anderson (77) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period in a game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres on October 25, 2017, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH. Blue Jackets defeated the Sabres (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The only time the Columbus Blue Jackets play on NBCSN this year was last night, and they showed out. They dominated the game 5-1.

From the beginning, this game was controlled by the Columbus Blue Jackets. An early disallowed goal gave the game a crazy start, but the Jackets settled down and eventually took the game over.

Oliver Bjorkstrand scored a power play goal (yes, you read that correctly) twelve minutes into the first period. His second goal of the season was well-timed, considering the recent power play woes.

The Jackets didn’t score for another period plus, but when they did, they didn’t look back. Seth Jones fired a wrist shot to put the Jackets up 2-0 in the second period. Subsequently, Nick Foligno and Matt Calvert scored goals to make three in three minutes of play.

This all but sealed the game, as the Blue Jackets were up 4-0 heading into the third period.

Don’t get me wrong, this was a solid rebound game for the Blue Jackets, but the Buffalo Sabres aren’t the best team in the world.

Related Story: CBJ and NHL Lose Out with “Rivalry Night”

Sergei Bobrovsky had a few insane saves last night, which were significant in keeping the game out of reach. Still, the Sabres probably weren’t going to get much done in this game.

Buffalo has 8 points in 11 games, which is one of the lowest point totals in the league. In a primetime home game for the Blue Jackets, they did what they had to do winning 5-1.

Game notes

  • As mentioned, Oliver Bjorkstrand scored his second goal of the season, and it was his second in two games
  • Sonny Milano recorded his first assist of the year on the Bjorkstrand goal
  • Sergei Bobrovsky recorded 34 saves on 35 attempts. Chad Johnson had 33 saves on 38 shots
  • The kepi went to Seth Jones. He assisted on the power play goal in addition to his tally
  • Alexander Wennberg recorded his 100th career assist on Josh Anderson’s goal in the third
  • Buffalo lost a two-game winning streak and the Blue Jackets ended a two-game losing streak

    Next: Lukas Sedlak out Four to Six Weeks

    Third star: Nick Foligno

    Second star: Seth Jones

    First star: Sergei Bobrovsky

    A great win on national television gets the Columbus Blue Jackets off of a two game skid. They finish out their home stand against the Jets on Friday.