Union and Blue
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Columbus Blue Jackets are on Cloud Nine after big Game 1 win

By Jase Greenberg

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 10: Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates the upset win over the Tampa Bay Lightning during the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Lightning and Columbus on April 10, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 10: Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates the upset win over the Tampa Bay Lightning during the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Lightning and Columbus on April 10, 2019 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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In the most unbelievable fashion, the Columbus Blue Jackets stormed back while down 3-0 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, to win 4-3 in the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

How about that for a statement?

The Columbus Blue Jackets heard it all. From Tampa in 4 to the pictures of brooms. Let’s face it, this was supposed to be an absolute blowout by Tampa. And it started that way that is for sure. The Jackets went down 3-0 as quickly as almost possible heading into the first break.

It felt like there was no hope. Down and out, and almost no momentum, it was getting worse. But then it started. Nick Foligno capitalized on a Tampa Bay turnover for a breakaway and getting the Jackets on the board with a wicked wrist shot.

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But it didn’t get better right away. Tampa Bay was still pressuring Bobrovsky with an enormous amount of shots, including an amazing save he had to make on Steven Stamkos with seconds left in the second period.

But then it happened. David Savard pulled off an amazing move to bring the Jackets within one, and then Josh Anderson scored one of the most improbable goals in Jackets postseason history. Shorthanded, and fighting back from 3-0 down, this game was T I E D.

With 5 minutes to go in the game, Artemi Panarin found Seth Jones on the cross-ice pass, and Jones ripped a shot above Vasilevskiy’s shoulder to give the Jackets a 4-3 lead.

Halfway through this game, the Jackets looked almost desperate. Bobrovsky had once again given up 3+ goals in a playoff game, and the offense was nowhere to be found. Somehow they found a way.

They stole one in Tampa Bay and that is the most important part of this series. Especially being game one. Where they go for game two has yet to be seen, but it sure will be a ride.

Game 2: @ Tampa Bay. Friday, April 12th, 2019. 7 pm on CNBC, Fox Sports Ohio.

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