Jackets’ late game heroics stun Stars 3-2

It was a wild Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena, when the Columbus Blue Jackets took on the Dallas Stars. This game marked the second and final game against the Stars this season for the Jackets.

The first game against the Stars in Dallas was a 3-0 shutout win for the CBJ. Everything went the Jackets’ way in the first matchup of the season.

Tuesday night’s game would unfold with just a tad more drama than the first.

The first period turned out to be the Bobrovsky show once again. Goalie Bob had 18 saves in the first period alone. The Jackets were out shot 18-9 in the period, but Bobrovsky found a way to keep the game scoreless moving into the second.

The second period started out much better for the Jackets offense, who was struggling to control the puck in the first. It was only 3:50 into the period when Captain Nick Foligno found the net for the CBJ.

Foligno ripped a snap shot from the circle to put the Blue Jackets up 1-0. That goal was Foligno’s second of the season. It was assisted by Zach Werenski and Brandon Saad.

Jason Spezza and the Stars would go on to tie the game later in the second period. The second period would go on to end all tied up at 1.

Only 1:13 into the third period the Dallas Stars would take the lead on a goal by Tyler Seguin.  Seguin squeezed a shot between Sergei Bobrovsky and the post from the bottom of the circle.   

After several failed attempts to tie the game up throughout the third period, things began to look dim for the CBJ as time was quickly running out on the scoreboard clock.

The Jackets took a timeout with about a minute to play in the third period. The Jackets had just been awarded a power play when Johnny Oduya was called for slashing against Nick Foligno. The team wanted to regroup and draw up some plays they thought could possibly work on the power play…and boy did it pay off.

With just 15 seconds to play in regulation, Sam Gagner blasted a slap shot past Stars goalie Antti Niemi to force sudden death overtime tied at 2. Gagner’s goal was assisted by Cam Atkinson and Zach Werenski.  

It was a clutch shot that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

The Jackets showed fierce determination to take full advantage of the power play, an area that has been less than desirable throughout the beginning of the season for the CBJ.

Overtime was all Blue Jackets….and quick.

Just 46 seconds in, Seth Jones scored his second goal of the season. Jones unleashed a beautiful wrist shot from the point to beat Antti Niemi for the game winning goal.

This win marked a season sweep of the 2 game series with Dallas.

Tuesday nights win also make the Jackets 4-3-1 on the season. The CBJ’s stock is definitely on the rise right now. Bringing the momentum home from a electric 4-0 win against Anaheim on Friday is exactly want the Jackets wanted to do.

This is the third best start to a season through 8 games in team history for the Jackets, only behind the 09/10 and 10/11 starts of 5-3-0

The CBJ are starting to really look like they’re on the same page. We’re seeing amazing  play from the blossoming young talent and the leadership needed from the veteran guys. As the season moves on, expect to see the CBJ continue to be competitive as they start to really figure out their game.

The Jackets will look to keep the W’s flowing this Friday taking on The Montréal Canadiens at home.