The Columbus Blue Jackets score two powerplay goals to take revenge on the Washington Capitals 2-1.
With the win, the Columbus Blue Jackets now sit alone on top of the Metropolitan Division after 16 games played. Oliver Bjorkstrand was able to find the back of the net for his first of the season leaving Riley Nash as the last regular day to day player still searching for his first of the season.
Nick Foligno with the crafty between the legs backwards pass is something we’ve come to see from the captain’s skill set the past few years, and we saw it pay off in a big way for the Jackets to take the 1-0 lead.
The Jackets capitalized on Washington mistakes and was able to bury two on the man advantage, something they hadn’t been able to do for the latter half of last season, and beginning of this season. Anthony Duclair continued his scoring tear with a powerplay goal to take the lead that the Jackets would not give up. Bobrovsky shut the door and the Jackets held on 2-1 to defeat their playoff kryptonite.
Stats:
Jackets Goals: Oliver Bjorkstrand, Anthony Duclair
Jackets Assists: Nick Foligno, Alexander Wennberg, Artemi Panarin, Zach Werenski
Capitals Goals: Matt Niskanen
Capitals Assists: Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeni Kuznetsov
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Impressive Players:
Oliver Bjorkstrand: Finally gets his first.
Nick Foligno: Great passing.
Anthony Duclair: Continuing his offensive tear.
Ryan Murray: Looking so much better than previous years.
Sergei Bobrovsky: Playing like himself for the second straight game.
Disappointing Players:
Riley Nash: Last without a goal
What to Look for Moving On:
The Jackets have finally hit their defensive stride and have taken the top position in the Metropolitan Division. With the Rangers coming to town tonight, and leaving for Dallas on Monday, the test for the Jackets will be getting 4 points this long weekend to stay above the Capitals and Islanders who both have only played 15 goals, one less than the Jackets.
Bobrovsky looks to be playing much like his former self which is something the Jackets have to love to see.