Well this was no snoozer.
Sergei Bobrovsky’s much-lauded shutout streak ended quite quickly as Evan Rodrigues scored just 2:50 into the game.
David Savard tied it up 3 minutes later, then Nick Foligno added a power play goal near the end of the period to give Columbus a 2-1 lead at the intermission.
Zach Werenski had an assist on that goal, which meant he broke Rick Nash’s franchise record for points by a rookie. That’s right: Rick Nash, a great offensive talent, just had a record broken by a defenseman. Wow. We’ve got a gem here.
Unfortunately Buffalo was not going to wilt under pressure. Early in the second, Josh Gorges got his first goal of the year on a long range shot.
Late in the second, Sam Gagner connected on yet another power play goal. Props to Brandon Saad for setting a great screen. Somehow Gagner’s shot got through Saad’s body without touching him. Gagner now has 5 points (3G, 2A) in the last 4 games.
In the third, Buffalo tied it once again with a goal by Rasmus Ristolainen that dribbled through Bob’s pads. That goal was so soft it starred in Degrassi then became a successful rapper.
Good news, though: at the 14:53 mark, Boone Jenner came through with a classic Boone goal. Dubi won an offensive zone faceoff and Boone crashed the net with the puck. The Blue Jackets are now 13-1-0 this season when Boone scores a goal. In his first 33 games, he scored just 6 goals and 5 assists. In the last 33 games, he has scored 8 goals and 6 assists. The Jackets are 13-1-0 this season when Jenner scores a goal. He’s heating up at exactly the right time.
I should mention that Robin Lehner played very well in goal for the Sabres. Made 35 saves, including some very impressive clutch saves.
Tomorrow, these teams get a rematch up in Buffalo.