Just a very normal hockey game tonight at United Center.
Eleven goals between the Blue Jackets and the Blackhawks. Ebbs and flows, momentum swings so stark you could feel them hitting your face, and at the end of it, a big 6-5 win for Columbus. Maybe–just maybe–this is the type of game that can propel them forward with some much-needed confidence.
Here are tonight's three things from Chicago.
LOCALLY SOURCED
The Winnipeg Jets gave up two players for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
One was Patrik Laine, a world-class superstar. The other was Columbus' own Jack Roslovic, a young player with plenty of potential that just hadn't been given the opportunity to show what he can do. Tonight, he showed what he can do.
Roslovic scored two key goals in the third period, first a power play goal to make it a 3-2 game after the Blackhawks had stretched their lead to 3-1. Max Domi found Roslovic high in the slot, and he ripped a quick shot past Kevin Lankinen to give Columbus some life.
JACK! ON THE POWER PLAY! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/HyYnlNoW3P
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 12, 2021
Then, later in the third period, Roslovic tied the game at 4-4 to cap a two-goal comeback and set the stage for a furious finish.
.@JRoslovic96 lights the lamp for the third time in two games pic.twitter.com/9wVTgIDJXc
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 12, 2021
POWER SURGE
Don't adjust your screen: the Blue Jackets went 2-for-3 on the power play and used it to claw their way back into this game.
A much-maligned unit that has, on merit, earned its fair share of criticism was a difference-maker tonight–and of course, those goals came from Roslovic and Boone Jenner. Not Patrik Laine, not Cam Atkinson or Oliver Bjorkstrand...but more guys who were given opportunities and took advantage.
The Blue Jackets have back-to-back wins and wins in three of four because their special teams have improved. In this game, they needed it.
CAM'S BIG NIGHT
Atkinson had himself a night. Four points on a goal and three assists, and his shorthanded goal in the first period got the party started. He was all over the ice tonight, showing what makes him an impact player: darting, dashing, winning races and making plays in tight areas.
His shorthanded goal in the first period was the 15th of his career, surpassing Rick Nash for the most in Blue Jackets history.
CAMERON THOMAS ATKINSON. SHORTHANDED. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/hVJnpZzVQ7
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 12, 2021
"A lot of players stepped up in big situations," Atkinson said. "You want your offensive guys to be feeling good about themselves...but a lot of guys got on the scoresheet tonight and should be feeling good.
"We just have to shoot the puck. Good things happen. Sure enough, it found a lot of guys tonight. We'll take that one."
