They just keep finding a way.
Timely saves, another power play goal, and more final minute drama for the Columbus Blue Jackets - and another win, as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 Friday night from the Windy City.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| BLACKHAWKS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Joonas Korpisalo was outstanding throughout, stopping 31 of 32 shots after seeing just four shots in the opening period. It was the ninth game of the season for the Blue Jackets, but Korpisalo's effort gave Columbus a game where they allowed less than two goals for the first time this season.
"He saved us," said defenseman David Savard. "He made some huge saves on their top players."
"As usual, he played really well for us."
Oliver Bjorkstrand started the scoring for Columbus just before the halfway point of the first period. His third goal on the year came on the power play after Zach Werenski made an excellent play to keep the puck in the zone. Werenski was able to chip the puck to Cam Atkinson, who found an undefended Bjorkstrand for an easy score.
Oh, it's good. It's very good. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/3IUuX5ZFfL
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 30, 2021
Bjorkstrand's goal gave the Blue Jackets a power play goal in consecutive regular season games for the first time since January 11th and January 14th, 2020, a span of 32 regular season games.
Eric Robinson joined the fun with his second goal of the season to give Columbus a 2-0 lead early in the 2nd period. A well-placed pass from Bjorkstrand allowed Robinson to get ahead of the defense and beat Chicago goalie Kevin Lankinen.
MY GOODNESS MR. ROBINSON. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/qzjG5YIeFL
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) January 30, 2021
Chicago cut the lead in half with a power play goal from Dylan Strome, but it was as close as they would get. Korpisalo saved the final 12 Blackhawk shots after Strome's goal at the 10:47 mark of the 2nd period.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets stay in Chicago for the second and final game of the series. Puck drop is Sunday at 7:00 p.m.
