That was big.
If it feels like uncharted territory, well, it's because it is.
The Columbus Blue Jackets won Game 1 on the road, and in doing so, made history in a number of ways. Let us catch you up:
First Playoff Lead
For the first time in franchise history, the Blue Jackets own a lead in a Stanley Cup playoffs series. Obviously, they've never won one, but leading is a nice place to start. This team belongs, and it was obvious tonight. The Blue Jackets overcame a ton of adversity – penalties, ejections, injuries, deficits – but found a way to get the job done.
First Playoff Overtime Goal For Artemi Panarin
If it wasn't obvious last year, it is now: The Blue Jackets needed a game-breaking type player, and they found one. Panarin was magical in the third period and the OT, and his overtime goal was a nothing play, until the Russian dynamo went full on Yeast Mode.
PANARIN TRYING TO CUT IN... SCORES!!! GAME WINNER IN OVERTIME!!! WHAT A GOAL!!! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/XCYTw75Dhe
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
First Playoff Goals For Alexander Wennberg and Seth Jones
Wennberg was, to be blunt, invisible in his first five games of playoff action a season ago as the Blue Jackets fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins (0-1-1 in 5 GP). Tonight, he turned the tide and scored the team's first goal of the playoffs. He gave the club life when they needed it most.
What a FILTHY pass from Jenner to Wennberg. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/umHj0KJpTc
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
Meanwhile, Jones scored the biggest goal of his career, tying the score at 3–3 with just 4:26 remaining in the third period.
Seth Jones picked a great time to score his first Stanley Cup Playoffs goal. We have ourselves a game, folks. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/iPbmkdMT60
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
Jones, who played a game-high 30:59, has elevated his play to a new level in the past year. He's a legitimate Norris Trophy candidate, and it's about time the rest of the world sees why.
First (Two) Playoff Points for Pierre-Luc Dubois
Before the series, we highlighted that Pierre-Luc Dubois may be an x-factor, given the importance placed on the center position. As has been the case all season, Dubois didn't just meet expectations, he exceeded them.
Pierre-Luc Dubois' assist on Vanek's equalizer gives the rookie four points (134) in five career games against the Caps. The kid can play. #CBJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
Dubois played 23:35, the second most among Blue Jackets forwards, trailing only Cam Atkinson (25:10). It's clear the John Tortorella will continue to play his young center in all situations, and it's hard to disagree with his logic.
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