The Columbus Blue Jackets did tonight what they failed to do in April: they beat Braden Holtby.
In addition to getting a sliver of revenge for their playoff loss to the Washington Capitals, the Blue Jackets also did their best to put some of their early-season struggles to bed, riding a hot (?!) power play and some stellar goaltending to a 2-1 win in Washington.
Sergei Bobrovsky was outstanding, and appears to be hitting his stride after a rough start. Same goes for the Blue Jackets power play, which notched two goals on the night, looking completely different from the unit that went 0-for-21 during a recent stretch.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| CAPITALS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
The Blue Jackets struck first, with Oliver Bjorkstrand scoring a power play goal after a ridiculous, between-the-legs, no-look feed from Nick Foligno, wiring a shot top shelf into the Caps' net.
Let's just admire this. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/lyk4PuKUlq
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 10, 2018
That lead evaporated in the second period, though, as Matt Niskanen tallied a power play goal to draw the game even. The game's third goal also came on a power play, as Artemi Panarin's fired a puck off the end-boards and onto the stick of Anthony Duclair, who chipped it home from a tough angle.
Power play goals are suddenly happening in abundance, somehow? #CBJ pic.twitter.com/LGEAp3hYUN
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 10, 2018
Both of the goalies were outstanding in this game, as both Holtby and Bobrovsky were at the top of their game.
All things considered, it was one of the most entertaining November games you'll ever see – culminating in a 6-on-4 penalty kill for the Washington Capitals with the game on the line, but the Blue Jackets stood tall. They'll leave Washington with two points.
Injury Update
Cam Atkinson did not play tonight's game due to an illness, but isn't expected to miss any more time.
Next Up
It'll be a busy few days for the Blue Jackets, as they're heading back home tonight before a matchup tomorrow night against the New York Rangers, then traveling down to Dallas before a Monday night game against the Stars.
