The Columbus Blue Jackets took the ice Saturday night looking for their seventh straight game with a point. Extending that streak would mean the Jackets crawled above .500, but they would have to do it facing a multitude of injuries, most recently including Cam Atkinson (out until after Christmas with a lower body injury).
The New Jersey Devils, meanwhile, gave Gilles Senn his first career start in net. Facing an opponent with no experience, the Jackets had to take advantage.
Here’s what happened.
First Period
Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice in the first period. Bjorkstrand now has five goals in his last four games.
1-0 #CBJ
Jones 👉 Jenner 👉 Bjorkstrand 👉 🥅Not on the score sheet, but nifty effort from Nyquist to retain possession in the neutral zone pic.twitter.com/A8lr2iiKt9
— Alison (@AlisonL) December 22, 2019
…but Bjorkstrand can, again.
2-0 #CBJ pic.twitter.com/oq7Tz6CtSj
— Alison (@AlisonL) December 22, 2019
Before the period ended, Will Butcher cut the lead to 2-1. New Jersey was in the game.
Second Period
Vladislav Gavrikov scored the lone goal as the Jackets took control.
3-1 #CBJ
Gavrikov started the breakout and ended the rush by putting the puck in the net. pic.twitter.com/ZJVGbD1dFU
— Alison (@AlisonL) December 22, 2019
Third Period
A shorthanded goal by Zach Werenski and a shorthanded goal by Gus Nyquist saw this one out with little fanfare.
4-1 #CBJ
Werenski with the short-handed goal pic.twitter.com/Yal9Z0EIds
— Alison (@AlisonL) December 22, 2019
Final
Columbus Blue Jackets 5 New Jersey Devils 1
Up Next
The Jackets face off against the New York Islanders on the island. Faceoff is Monday at 7:00 EST.