Game #8 Quick Takes: Stars at Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets trailed by a goal with :17 left . . . and won it in OT
What Happened: After being out-skated much of the night by a determined Dallas club, the Blue Jackets found themselves trailing 2-1 with :51 left, and a slashing call gave them a 6-on-4 advantage with Bobrovsky pulled. They squandered most of their time, but Sam Gagner took advantage of a Nick Foligno screen and wired a shot from the point past Halak.
In OT, Columbus won the face-off and never surrendered possession. Just 46 second in, Seth Jones beat Niemi from up high, and the bench cleared. It was as improbable a victory as the Nationwide fans have seen.
The Highlights: Sergei Bobrovsky kept the club in the game, stopping all 18 shots he faced in a horrific first period, and 36 of 38 overall. The Foligno-Saad-Wennberg line provided the majority of the offensive chances. Werenski and Jones were terrific— again. Full marks for perseverance. The PK was terrific once again.
The Low Lights: The Blue Jackets knew Dallas would be out for revenge, yet were unprepared for the Stars’ speed. Jenner and Dubinsky are going to appear on milk cartons soon.
The Bottom Line: Good teams find ways to win games they perhaps shouldn’t, and the Blue Jackets did that tonight.