The Columbus Blue Jackets score four goals and take down the New Jersey Devils for the third time to take the season series against their Metropolitan Division rivals.
For starters, the Columbus Blue Jackets started this game feeling like they still had something to prove. Starting with one of the toughest parts of this seasons schedule to begin 2019, the Jackets took six of a possible eight points the past week. After winning two tough games in overtime, and an emotional victory against the New York Rangers this past weekend, the spark for this Jackets team in the first period was there.
Cam Atkinson has been on fire, and after scoring his 27th of the season, Atkinson is on pace to eclipsed the 30 goal mark for just the second time in his NHL career. Atkinson has been a huge X-factor in many Jackets victories, and tonight was no exception.
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Boone Jenner extended the Jackets lead, along with another goal from Artemi Panarin, and the 1st period ended 3-0 Jackets.
The second period started with the Jackets getting a four minute powerplay thanks to the Devil’s Severson taking out Nick Foligno, and back-talking the ref after the play.
Pierre-Luc Dubois quickly made the most of the Jackets advantage by recording a point for the fourth straight game. Blake Coleman got one back for New Jersey towards the end of the second period, but the damage was done, and the Jackets led 4-1 at the second intermission.
The third period consisted of back and forth action for both netminders. Neither team was able to find the back of the net, despite consistent additions to the shot counter. This game saw a combined 60+ shots tonight as the Jackets took care of business.
The biggest story broke before this game where TSN reported Jackets goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, has told management he is willing to waive his no-trade clause. Joonas Korpisalo, who was in net tonight, looked spectacular and really gives the Jackets options to move Bobrovsky before the trade deadline.