The Blue Jackets were mostly ineffective through the first 40 minutes in New Jersey as they played for their second win of the season. Ryan Johansen stayed home as he underwent tests to find out what is causing his fatigue. His teammates were able to seal the deal on their second straight win with a dominating third period.
Columbus generated just two shots in the opening period in what was a frustrating and perhaps even a bit boring first 20 minutes. The Devils were able to get a few more shots to the net, but Bobrovsky looked to be back in solid form. New Jersey had two power play opportunities but could not convert on either and the teams went to the break scoreless.
The middle period was more of the same – sloppy play by the Jackets but neither team could convert. It seemed like New Jersey was in control and if this game was before Tortorella, perhaps they would have led by a couple goals if not more. Bob was coming up large in net.
In the third period, the Jackets got caught on the ice for a long time and Torts used his timeout to give his guys a breather. It seemed to be the spark the team needed as they responded with three goals in less than six minutes to take control.
First, Boone Jenner went to the slot and fired home a rebound after a David Clarkson shot. It was Jenner’s team-leading sixth goal of the season and the first points of the season for both Gregory Campbell and Clarkson. They had not driven possession for most of the night but the Jackets had the first lead.
Following up quickly on the goal, Scott Hartnell and Brandon Dubinsky fought hard on the forecheck to gather the puck. Dubinsky got it and rocketed a pass to the front of the net where Cam Atkinson cleaned up. It was two scores in 38 seconds and it put the Devils in a bind.
The offensive push continued just a few minutes later as a power play was wrapping up. Scott Hartnell delivered a thundering hit on the right boards and gained possession of the puck. As the penalty was expiring, Hartnell skated a few strides to the middle of the ice, then turned and ripped a slap shot into the net for the 3-0 lead.
After that, the only question was if Bob could finish off the shutout. Unfortunately for him, David Savard went to the box giving the Devils their fifth power play of the night. New Jersey was able to skate in and Kyle Palmieri sent home a rebound. Bobrovsky had no chance but he stopped everything else on a bounce back night for him.
Final – Blue Jackets 3-1
Well, this was the opposite of many of the games early in the season. The Jackets did not have a ton of chances, just 14 shots on net actually. In net, Bob was back to being Bob. While it is not an ideal plan going forward, they were able to score in a flurry in the 3rd and picked up the win. Columbus has now won two of three under Tortorella.