Columbus Blue Jackets Win, Grab Two Big Points in New Jersey
Columbus Blue Jackets bounce back from a 2-0 deficit to win 5-3 in New Jersey against the Devils.
In the biggest game the Columbus Blue Jackets have played up to this point, the union blue bounced back in a big way. Coming off of their worst performance of the year, the Jackets won on the road in a matchup that would determine who would be in first in the Metropolitan Division.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first period and looking like the Jackets we saw on Tuesday, the team turned it around. They scored three straight goals in the second before giving up the equalizing goal late in the second period.
Twenty seconds into the second period the Andy Greene drew a tripping call giving the CBJ their first power play of the year. According to reports, the collective groan from the fanbase could be heard as far away as New Jersey.
Columbus Blue Jackets
But the Jackets surprised and shocked the world and looked good with an extra man on the ice. Artemi Panarin made a great backhand pass to an open Alexander Wennberg who found the back of the net for the first power play goal for the Jackets since the end of World War One.
The biggest moment of the game came in the middle of the third when Markus Hannikainen was called for double minor high stick after catching Nico Hischier in the mouth. It was a nasty, unfortunate event that deserved four minutes in the box.
The Jackets penalty kill was impressive as they controlled the puck for stretches of time, harassed the Devils power play, and eventually were able to catch New Jersey with an extra man on the ice. The Jackets then scored promptly on the four on four scenario off of a Zach Werenski goal. That goal was the final nail in the coffin as the Jackets held on to a 5-3 win.
Game Notes
- Artemi Panarin had five primary assist tonight. He ties the Columbus Blue Jacket record for points in a game. Panarin was an unstoppable force.
- Zach Werenski‘s nine goals lead all defenseman in the NHL.
- Scott Harrington scored his first goal, and point, of the season.
- Cam Atkinson did not play at all in the third period.
The win comes at a great time for the Jackets as they prevent a three game losing streak. They now come back home to face the Arizona Coyotes at Nationwide Arena.