Go ahead, ask Santa for an Artemi Panarin jersey.
The Russian winger assisted on all five (!!) Blue Jackets goals tonight – including one that broke an historically bad power play stretch – to set a new career high. It's his third game of the season with at least three assists, and he now has 25 points in 29 games to lead the Blue Jackets. His effort tonight tied the Jackets' club record for assists and points in a game.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| DEVILS | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
In what may be the biggest game the Jackets have played this season – on the road with the division's top spot on the line – the Breadman delivered. It wasn't from the jump, either – the Devils jumped out to a 2-0 lead, which they took into the intermission.
Pierre-Luc Dubois continued his hot streak with another goal – his seventh point in his last six games – and Alexander Wennberg put Panarin's pass past Devils goalie Cory Schneider on the power play for the fourth goal, but the two in the middle came from somewhat unexpected sources. Lukas Sedlak scored the game's second goal on the rush, and Scott Harrington got his first goal of the season shortly after. Panarin's assist on the Harrington goal was particularly gorgeous.
Three #CBJ goals tonight, three Artemi Panarin assists.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 9, 2017
This one is pure art. #YeastMode pic.twitter.com/ZjBo8o9cIn
He one-upped himself after New Jersey tied it up, though. This pass to Wennberg is absolutely incredible.
Ridiculously good game for the Breadman tonight.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 9, 2017
His fourth (!) assist may have been the best. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/NdF8Hr7Wvx
Panarin's fifth assist set up Zack Werenski late in the third to give the Jackets some insurance. With the win, the Jackets move to 18-10-1 – and first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Injury Update
Markus Nutivaara returned to the lineup tonight. Still no timetable for defenseman Ryan Murray, though.
Next Up
The Jackets come home tonight before a Saturday night matchup with the Arizona Coyotes, who have lost five of their last six games.
After that, they'll play host to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
