The Columbus Blue Jackets put on their best game of the season in a 5-3 regulation win over the New York Rangers.
Period I
Newcomer Erik Gustaffson opened the scoring 50 seconds in for the Blue Shirts with his first. Adam Fox and Jimmy Vessey had the apples.
Boone Jenner replied with a natural hattrick to run between the end of the first and beginning of the second period for his first three goal of the season. It became his second career hattrick and first career natural hattrick.
His first of the night just came half through the first from Johnny Gaudreau and Kirill Marchenko.
The second from the captain came late in the first off the powerplay from Johnny Hockey and Ivan Provorov.
Period II
Almost to the halfway mark of the game and period, Jenner’s hatty was helped by Jake Bean.
A minute late, David Jiricek blasted a bomb from the point for his first career goal. Patrik Laine and Provorov had the assists. His first goal would also go down as the eventual game winning goal.
Period III
Will Cuylle had his first career goal from Vincent Trocheck and Gustafsson.
Justin Danforth replied with his first of the year. This is his first goal since his freak injury last season. Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson had the helpers. So delighted to see KJ score after a tough preseason and opening night absence.
Chris Kreider got a final minute goal on the powerplay with his third of the year from Artemi Panarin and Fox.
Breadman was my player to watch for the Blue Shirts. The former Blue Jackets’ superstar had the primary assist on the final goal of the game. Panarin now had points in both Rangers’ game this season
Igor Shesterkin was the starter for the Rangers last night, allowing 5 goals on 21 shots for a 0.762 save percentage.
Elvis Merzlikins allowed one goal on 25 shots for a 0.960 save percentage. He left the game due to an undisclosed illness. Spencer Martin stepped in and allowed 2 goals on 17 shots in the third period for a 0.882 save percentage.
This was Pascal Vincent’s first win as the head coach of the Blue Jackets. Congratulations to him and company on the success.
The Trouba Save - was a goal. The angle showed otherwise. Should’ve been 6-3. The league seems to love taking shots at the under minded Blue Jackets after the Babcock situation. They will see.
CBJ THREE STARS OF THE GAME
1. Boone Jenner — natural hat-trick (3)
2. David Jiricek - first career goal
3. Justin Danforth - goal (1)
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