Through the first two games of their six-game homestand, the Columbus Blue Jackets turned in lackadaisical efforts. That would not happen for a third game in a row.
Dustin Brown got the Kings on the board 3:54 into the game, but that was about the only lucky bounce the Kings would get all night. Lukas Sedlak and Artemi Panarin each scored in the game's first frame, giving Columbus a 2-1 lead heading to the second.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| KINGS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Late in the second, the Blue Jackets struck again – and in quick succession. Panarin and Josh Anderson lit the lamp just 20 seconds apart – the shortest span between two Blue Jackets goals all season.
Most of the season, the Blue Jackets have relied upon Cam Atkinson's goal scoring and Panarin's playmaking ability. Those roles were reversed tonight, as Atkinson had assists on both Panarin goals, including this beauty on the power play to make it 3-1 Columbus.
Also of note – Jeff Carter, widely reviled by Blue Jackets fans – was held scoreless in tonight's contest, a seemingly rare occurence when he faces off with his former team.
Injury Update
Josh Anderson was (obviously) in the lineup tonight after sustaining an upper-body injury last time out, so he seems to be doing just fine.
Next Up
Columbus's homestand continues on Saturday as the Anaheim Ducks visit Nationwide Arena. Then, on Tuesday, the Blue Jackets will host the Vegas Golden Knights.
