Nine players out of the lineup? No problem.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, even with being incredibly short handed, took it to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night to win by a score of 5-1.
This is the fourth-straight victory for the Blue Jackets, who have now grabbed a point in seven-straight contests.
Oliver Bjorkstrand continued his hot streak just 26 seconds into the first period, scoring on a one-timer from a terrific cross-ice dish from Seth Jones.
Bjorkstrand doubled down just eight minutes later for his second of the evening off a quick wrist shot in the slot to push the Blue Jacket lead to 2-0.
‘The Maestro’ was in hat trick territory, and the first period wasn’t even halfway over.
The Devils cut into the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first period, but that was as close as they’d get to challenging Columbus.
The second period saw the ice slowly begin to tilt in the Blue Jackets’ favor, and the club was finally able to capitalize with Vladislav Gabrikov’s third goal of the season 13:13 into the second frame, to push the lead to 3-1.
This would stay the score until two empty net goals by the Blue Jackets as time winded down - by Zach Werenski and Gustav Nyquist.
INJURY UPDATE
Defensemen David Savard, Andrew Peeke and Ryan Murray remain out of the lineup with injuries (an illness for Savard), as well as forwards Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson, Sonny Milano and Emil Bemstrom.
NEXT UP
The Blue Jackets are back on the road on Monday to take on the New York Islanders. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
