Minus Atkinson, Jackets skate by Bruins

The Columbus Blue Jackets faced uncertainty before their Monday night affair with the Boston Bruins. Cam Atkinson was a game-time decision after injury Saturday night in St. Louis and ultimately did not suit up. Tyler Motte, fresh off a hat-trick performance for the Cleveland Monsters Saturday, was recalled and activated to take his spot.

Zac Dalpe and Sonny Milano were also scratched as the Jackets dressed seven defensemen. Atkinson's absence snapped the eighth-longest active playing streak (168) in Blue Jackets history.

First Period

The Jackets needed to set the tone early and that’s exactly what they did as David Savard got Columbus on the board first, just 1:59 into the opening frame.

Columbus also had the first power play of the game, entering Monday dead last and just 3-for-30 with the man-advantage. Though they failed to convert, they got some good looks including a puck off a screening Matt Calvert, as the puck skated by Tuukka Rask.

Boone Jenner extended the lead to 2-0 late in the first.

A shot from the side of the net somehow finagled its way past Rask. Jenner stayed with the shot and the puck bounced off Rask’s foot and into the back of the net. It was Jenner’s 130th career point.

There were four penalties in the first 20, three charged to Boston. Tortorella’s bunch was 0-for-3 on the power play, but overall, the Jackets controlled the period. They led Boston in shots 11-4 through the first period.

Second Period

Zdeno Chara knocked Motte down in the first period and was back at it to start the second, as Chara took down Josh Anderson. Anderson was a willing combatant to fight Chara, though Chara basically ended it with Anderson in a headlock.

Columbus’ fourth power play chance in the second had trouble keeping the puck in the offensive zone.

However, not long after it ended, a lead pass off the stick of Markus Nutivaara found Motte as he scored his first goal as a Blue Jacket on the breakaway. Sergei Bobrovsky also picked up an assist.

Nutivaara had two assists, marking it his first NHL game with multiple points.

The B’s broke the shutout midway through the second on the power play, just beating Bob in the slot. Matt Calvert lost his stick and glove on an awkward play that took him down, as he was forced to skate away and retrieve. Upon returning to the play, he set up to block Patrice Bergeron‘s shot but Bergeron was able to get the shot off, beating Bobrovsky for his second of the season.

The goal broke a string of 17-straight kills for Columbus, and it was the first power play goal given up on home ice.

Third Period

With 11:56 remaining in the third, Calvert was called for a double minor high sticking call. Calvert was down on the play and his errant stick caught Sean Kurlay in the face. Bobrovsky was able to corral a chance on the resulting power play to keep the score 3-1.

A Brad Marchand penalty nullified the remaining two minutes and change, but the Bruins pulled within one thanks to Torey Krug. The Bruins continued the push and scored to tie things up 3-3. Marchand scored on the power play, his 200th career goal.

Columbus worked a power play in the third period after an initial hit by Oliver Bjorkstrand sent Krug crumpling to the ice in the corner by the boards. It was a race to the puck which resulted in the hit by Bjorkstrand. Kevan Miller took exception to the hit, dropping the gloves with Bjorkstrand, who never had a chance to mutually engage.

Thusly, Miller was sent off for a 10-minute and game misconduct, resulting in the Jackets man-advantage.

Overtime and Shootout

Columbus and Boston worked their way through a scoreless overtime and into the shootout. Artemi Panarin, now 6-for-8 all-time in the shootout, scored the first goal and Bjorkstrand sealed it to give the Jackets the 4-3 win.

Columbus is undefeated in extra time this season (4-0).

Final Thoughts

Panarin (and yours truly) celebrated a birthday on this day, and though he would not see the score sheet, Panarin had several opportunities including a couple breakaways but couldn’t find the back of the net in regulation.

While Columbus still ultimately struggled on the power play, and nearly let a 3-0 lead go by the wayside, it was a solid effort to come away with the victory.

Now tied for first place with 16 points, Columbus set a franchise record with their eighth win in October. They will next hit the ice Nov. 2 at the Florida Panthers.