Looks like Game 1 wasn't a fluke.
The Columbus Blue Jackets got after it early and often tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and had Presidents' Trophy winners were chasing play all night long. Just like that, the Blue Jackets – who came into this series as massive underdogs – find themselves taking a 2-0 series lead back to Columbus.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| LIGHTNING | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Matt Duchene found the scoresheet on the first three Columbus goals, starting with his primary assist just 5:17 into the game. Duchene made a crisp pass from the boards and found Cam Atkinson to give Columbus a 1-0 lead.
What a pass from Duchene to Atkinson. Big early goal for the Blue Jackets.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/M2RVryFOTO
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 12, 2019
Duchene added another primary assist later in the period, as he won a face-off back to Zach Werenski on a power play and Werenski absolutely ripped the puck home to make it 2-0 Blue Jackets.
THAT PUCK HAD EYES, ZACH.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/epluiQnUOC
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 12, 2019
That power play wasn't done yet – and neither was Duchene. Perhaps the biggest Blue Jackets trade deadline acquisition in franchise history, Duchene did precisely what general manager Jarmo Kekalainen acquired him to do, finding the back of the net to make it 3-0 on a rebound.
Tonight's entre? Andrei Vasilevskiy.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/RZIsMzF55r
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2019
As the Blue Jackets showed on Wednesday, though, a 3-0 lead in this series is far from insurmountable. Tampa Bay got one back early in the third period courtesy of Mikhail Sergachev. But Tampa had no answer for the Blue Jackets' secret weapon: Riley Damn Nash.
Riley Nash, getting greedy for his team.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/VplU6ClFjo
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2019
Things are clearly going well when Riley Nash is ripping shots like that one, folks.
Artemi Panarin made it 5-1 on one of the most beautiful goals you'll ever see – thanks to yet another Duchene primary assist – to put the Bolts to bed.
The beautiful game.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/ePPx7ZDxOY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2019
The Blue Jackets now find themselves with a 2-0 series lead over what's been called the best team of the cap era. They'll also have home ice for the next two games. And judging by Tampa Bay's short-fused temperament tonight, Columbus also has some spacious real estate in their heads.
Buckle up, Columbus.
Injury Update
Ryan Murray and Adam McQuaid's statuses are both still up in the air, as they've both missed extended time with injuries now. The Blue Jackets are reportedly about to sign Vladislav Gavrikov, who will be playoff eligible, and should shore up the defensive corps.
Next Up
Game 3. Sunday. Nationwide Arena. Enough said.
