Union and Blue
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Grading the Columbus Blue Jackets Performance vs NHL’s Elite Teams

By Lansing Murphy

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 13: Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning watches the puck fly into the net against goalie Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Amalie Arena on October 13, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 13: Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning watches the puck fly into the net against goalie Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Amalie Arena on October 13, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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November 9th: 2-1 Win at Washington

Columbus Blue Jackets
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Duclair #91 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Capital One Arena on November 9, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Jackets came into the Nation’s Capital with a middling record of 8-6-1. They had a so-so California Trip and although it was still early in the season, the Washington game felt like a pivotal point in the 18-19 campaign.

The Jackets and Caps had a goaltending duel that was eventually won by Sergei Bobrovsky. With his 33 saves on 34 shots, Bob had done what he couldn’t do in the playoffs, out-duel Braden Holtby and lead the Jackets to a 2-1 victory. 

Although he allowed a goal more than Bob, Holtby was excellent that night with 34 saves. Neither net-minder gave up a goal at even strength. The Jackets scored two power play goals including an Anthony Duclair goal five minutes into the third period that ended up as the game winning goal.

At that point in the season the CBJ power play was dead last in the league. Since then, they are up to 24th in the league. Not where they need to be, but an improvement from the horrific start to the season.

It was the first chance the Jackets had to exact revenge on the team that bounced them from the playoffs and went on to win the Stanley Cup. There will be three more matchups between the two teams and they should be great matchups just like this game.

. 11/9: 2-1 Win at Washington. A. . Perfomances vs Stanley Cup Contenders

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