Columbus Blue Jackets hold off Sabres, Win Fourth Straight

After getting out to a 3-0 lead, the Columbus Blue Jackets hold off the Buffalo Sabres for a 3-2 win.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have won their fourth straight game after shutting down a late rally from the Buffalo Sabres. The CBJ have now racked up eight points in four tries following the 3-2 win in Western New York.

The Jackets and Sabres slugged their way to a scoreless first period without many great opportunities. The period was dominated by neutral zone trapping and Jack Eichel face off violations. That theme would frustrate the young center and eventually land him in the penalty box for a two minute minor. The Jackets, unsurprisingly, were unable to capitalize on the man advantage.

The second saw an early goal from one of the game’s best performers. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his third goal of his rookie campaign with assist from Oliver Bjorkstrand and Markus Nutivaara.

The Columbus Blue Jackets then successfully killed off two penalties and reached the second intermission with a 1-0 lead.

Wild Third

Then things got a little crazy. The Jackets were able to extend the lead to 3-0 on a great snip from Artemi Panarin and another goal from Boone Jenner. With just over ten minutes left in the game, the affair seemed all but sealed.

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The 3-0 lead was short lived though as the former number two overall draft pick Sam Reinhart scored just 13 seconds later. The Buffalo onslaught continued for the next five minutes.

Following a neutral zone turnover, Jack Eichel made a great spinning backhand pass to Evander Kane who skated up the left side where he would bury a shot from the circle past Bob. With just three and a half minutes left, the game was now within one.

With the momentum fully in Buffalo’s favor, Seth Jones committed a holding penalty in the offensive zone with 1:55 left in the game. The Sabres then pulled thier goalie and had a 6-4 advantage over the CBJ.

The Jackets were able to hold off the onslaught though as they blocked several shots and Bob made a few saves. The 3-2 final is now the Jackets fourth straight win after four straight defeats.

Next Steps

The CBJ returned home and will be in Columbus for the holiday. Sandwiched around Thanksgiving are two home matchup with Canadian teams.

Wednesday the Jackets will take on Johnny Gaudreau and the Calgary Flames. Gaudrea is on a 10 game points streak. Following Thanksgiving the union blue will face the Ottawa Senators.

Next: Winning Without Wennberg

The Jackets are now tied with the New Jersey Devils with 27 points atop the Metro Standings. They keep pace with a good road win as the Devils won in overtime.