After a season-high five game losing streak, the Blue Jackets responded by going on the road and going 3-0-0, culminating in a 4-3, come from behind victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.
It was a back and forth affair, with each team taking the lead for extended parts of the game but failing to extend their respective lead to two goals. Cam Atkinson came alive in a huge third period that saw him score the tying and game-winning goals, his 30th and 31st of the season, in the win.
The game winner, scored on the power play, means the Blue Jackets are now 6 for 16 on the power play since Martin St Louis joined the club as a consultant.
Here are your three things from Saturday night in Sin City:
Cam Atkinson, Elite NHL Scorer
Despite being a two-time All-Star, Cam Atkinson is still under-appreciated in the NHL. He's scored 20+ goals for six consecutive seasons, and is now a two-time 30-goal scorer. What's crazy is this: his 31 goals this season have come in just 52 games, and he'll shatter his career-high 35 goals from the 2016-17 season.
CAM'S NOT READY TO GO HOME.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/10zMNyG3OM
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 10, 2019
Not shown on this replay: Atkinson making a nice defensive play before he was sprung on a semi-breakaway.
Shown on this replay: Atkinson being a coaches dream, taking the puck hard to the net and following up his own rebound for a game-tying goal in the third period of a closely contested game.
Cam feeling lucky tonight. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/eenzXzroZJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 10, 2019
Atkinson's game-winner was a thing of beauty, and showcases his shooting ability. What a display from the 29-year old.
Josh Anderson, Grown Man
Josh Anderson scored for the third consecutive game and was probably the most notable player through two periods. His speed, size, and fearlessness is a dangerous combination that most teams cannot match. In 21:15 of ice, he had six shots on net and four hits.
Big Josh using that big body to wreak havoc.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/4KshP4utxj
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 10, 2019
Anderson has 19 goals for the second consecutive season, and his next goal will be his first season reaching the 20-goal plateau. A modern power forward, he is an asset that will be counted on as the Blue Jackets push for a playoff spot. He's the kind of player that was built for spring hockey.
Bobrovsky, Back On The Case
It wouldn't be unreasonable to say that the Blue Jackets dodged a bullet getting out of the first period down just 2-1. Bobrovsky was outstanding, and stopped numerous odd-man advantages. It would be hard to fault Bobrovsky for any of the three goals scored.
The Russian netminder's effort cannot be understated. Per Corsica, Bobrovsky faced 14 high danger (!) scoring chances against, stopping 11. He was perfect against low and medium high-danger chances, which has ironically been an achilles heel for Bobrovsky this season.
Special shout out to Captain Nick Foligno for playing the part of goalie, blocking a one-timer with 20 seconds to go in the game, sacrificing his body to keep the puck away from the net. It was an incredible display from the club's leader.
