How about that?
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Jackets | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Capitals | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Artemi Panarin's spectacular overtime winner at 6:01 gave the Blue Jackets their first-ever playoff series lead, a 4–3 triumph at Capital One Arena.
Despite officiating inconsistencies and a few struggles throughout, the Blue Jackets found a way to get it done. For example...
This hit on Alexander Wennberg was a two-minute minor:
The hit on Wennberg that led to the Vanek power play goal. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/rIVyJaLqN0
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
This hit on Michal Kempny was a five-minute major and an ejection:
The Anderson boarding that got him five and a game.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/SLaxsEPDq0
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
The Washington Capitals scored two of their three goals during the five minutes of power play time, the Columbus Blue Jackets converted their man advantage into a Thomas Vanek goal.
But the Blue Jackets found a way to overcome all of it and get into overtime on a beautiful Artemi Panarin-Seth Jones connection.
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
And Panarin topped it all off with his incredible goal to secure an amazing 4-3 overtime win.
That's not to say there weren't flaws on the Blue Jackets' end that caused the Capitals lead. As highlighted by a third period goal by Devante Smith-Pelly, offensive zone turnovers leading to odd-man rushes were an issue for the Blue Jackets as well.
Much of the opening period Thursday night was like a Star Wars prequel. Lots of hype and excitement, but ultimately sloppy with no payoff.
Then Josh Anderson sent Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny into the boards.
There’s a lot of question on that play as to whether the five and a game call was correct, but regardless the Capitals converted twice on the power play to close the period ahead 2-0.
The Blue Jackets got a goal back on a dime from Boone Jenner to Alexander Wennberg less than five minutes into the second period.
What a FILTHY pass from Jenner to Wennberg. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/umHj0KJpTc
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2018
As a whole the second period was looking up for the Blue Jackets. The offense produced 12 shots as opposed to only four in the opening twenty, and the penalty kill survived 4:37 in penalties without surrendering a goal.
Injury Update
Wennberg did not return after leaving for concussion protocol. Nick Foligno and Markus Nutivaara both returned to the lineup tonight. Lukas Sedlak remains out with concussion-like symptoms and there is no timetable for his return.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets stay in Washington for Game 2 against the Capitals Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on Fox Sports Ohio.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
