Another game, another thrilling victory for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The CBJ took on the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday night for the second and final time in the 2016-17 regular season.
The Jackets were looking to duplicate the outcome of the first matchup with the Ducks, a 4-0 thrashing, in which the CBJ scored all four goals in the first period.
It turned out to be a similar sight….at least early in the game.
The CBJ started hot, Boone Jenner scored the games opening goal just 1:23 into the first period. Jenner scooped up a rebound and backhanded the put back to get his first goal of the season. Cam Atkinson and Scott Hartnell assisted.
Just under five minutes later, the CBJ lit the lamp again.
Brandon Saad drilled a shot past Ducks goalie John Gibson to score his 4th goal of the season. The shot was set up by a nifty little pass from Ryan Murray.
The Jackets would go on to struggle with puck possession throughout the 2nd and 3rd periods. The CBJ were outshot 32-18 in a game that at first glance looked to be another blowout win for the Blue Jackets.
Although….what would a CBJ game be without a little drama on the side?
During these 2nd and 3rd period struggles, the Ducks would score twice, once in the 2nd period and once in the 3rd, to tie the game at 2.
Luckily for the Jackets, overtime hockey is something they’re getting pretty good at.
Just 1:21 into 3 on 3 overtime, Alexander Wennberg rushed up the ice, past 2 Ducks defenders and dropped a dime of a pass back to Zach Werenski, who easily buried the game winning goal.
Fool 'em with the spin, score it for the win. pic.twitter.com/CBffTH1oSi
— NHL (@NHL) November 10, 2016
It may have been Werenski who notched the game winner, but it was Wennberg’s fancy skate work and perfect puck control that made it all happen.
The 19-year-old Werenski has 3 goals and 8 assists through his first 11 games in the NHL. Don’t look now, but this young man is taking over.
After the game, team Captain Nick Foligno said “(Werenski) has ice water running through his veins, its rare to see a kid his age doing the things he’s doing.”
Wednesday nights win marks the 5th straight win at home for the CBJ and moves the team to 6-3-2 on the season.
The Jackets extended their point-streak to five games and have earned nine points in that stretch.
Right now, the Jackets are getting the start to the season that everyone had hoped for. The team continues to make the adjustments necessary to find ways to win. As long as they keep themselves in a position to win games, then you’ll see them continue to trend upward.
The CBJ look to continue their winning ways, as they travel to Boston to take on the Bruins Thursday night.
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