When in doubt, call the Bread Man.
Artemi Panarin's red-hot week continued in Washington tonight.
His overtime goal capped a solid Blue Jackets win in D.C., rallying after the Capitals tied the game late and forced the extra session. And if not for a stellar performance by Joonas Korpisalo, the Blue Jackets might've gotten nothing out of this game.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| CAPITALS | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Cam Atkinson scored his 25th goal of the season only a minute into the game, taking a pinpoint stretch pass from Markus Nutivaara and dekeing Braden Holtby to the backhand stick side for a 1-0 lead.
It would remain that way until the final minutes of regulation, when a one-timer from Evgeny Kuztensov beat Korpisalo for a 1-1 tie, the only puck to get past the Columbus goaltender all night. He was outstanding.
And after some curious non-calls in overtime, the Blue Jackets finally got a power play when Nicklas Backstrom slashed Boone Jenner going to the net. It didn't take the Blue Jackets long to convert, as Panarin ripped his shot short-side on Pheonix Copley, who had come on in relief of Holtby (injured earlier in the game).
No matter how you slice it, this is a huge win for the Blue Jackets – who have won two straight against top teams in the Nashville Predators and now the Capitals, clawing one point closer in the Metropolitan Division.
Injury Update
Ryan Murray did not play in tonight's game due to illness. Both Brandon Dubinsky (hamstring) and Markus Hannikainen (elbow) remain out and are on injured reserve.
Next Up
It's a quick turnaround for the Blue Jackets, who are back home Sunday to face the New York Rangers – a 6 p.m. face-off at Nationwide Arena.
