The Columbus Blue Jackets went full throttle against the Buffalo Sabres to snap their two-game losing streak.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres played a hard-fought first period with the Jackets scoring the only goal, but the second period was a different story with the Jackets scoring three goals in less than 3 minutes. The third period was not much to watch with the Jackets in control, but the two traded late goals.
Three Stars
Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky stood on his head for the Columbus Blue Jackets making some highlight reel saves. Sergei faced 35 shots and only gave up 1 goal towards the very end of the game. This goal took away Bobrovsky’s shutout, but the Russian came back to normal form.
The Blue Jackets struggles the past two home games were in part because of poor goaltending. but Sergei Bobrovsky put the Blue Jackets in a position to win. While Bobrovsky got offensive support, his performance would have been enough to steal this game.
Seth Jones
Columbus’ defense was once again overall outstanding, but Seth Jones was the one to stand out. Seth was all over the ice on the stopping the Sabres from being able to generate a lot of dangerous scoring chances.
While Jones was outstanding on the defensive end, he was also a force on the offensive end. Seth tallied a goal and assist in the Jackets win over the Sabres. Jones created opportunities for himself roaming all over the ice and was able to cash in.
Oliver Bjorkstrand
The young Dane was able to get the Blue Jackets powerplay off to a bang which has been lacking since the Jackets opener. Oliver Bjorkstrand ripped a laser beam past Johnson, but he continued to impress.
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While Oliver was able to put one in the back of the net, he created a plethora of chances, ringing the puck off the crossbar a couple of times. Bjrokstrand did his job tonight and seemed to find his game a little more than before.
Conclusion
The Blue Jackets were hitting on all cylinders for their only appearance on national tv. The Blue Jackets were able to jump all over the tired Sabres and looked unstoppable on the offensive end. Columbus road the momentum they created in the second and piled on to Buffalo.
On the defensive end, the Jackets had a few lapses the biggest being a full breakaway by Ryan O’Reilly that was eventually stonewalled by Bobrovsky. The defense overall played well and was able to shut down the Sabres.
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With both Jackets playing well on both ends of the ice, John Tortorella deserves a little credit. His moving of Nick Foligno to center paid off big time with the captain adding a goal and looking like he belonged manning the middle. While this should not be a long-term fix, the move has bought the team time. The Jackets face off next on Friday against the Jets, the first of a back to back.