Saturday night hockey in Columbus turned into a barnburner between the Blue Jackets and the Devils. After 9 goals between the two teams, Columbus beat New Jersey 6-3. The game went up-and-down, and then fairly bonkers in quick fashion. The CBJ picked up the game’s first three goals, but the Devils kept up and clawed back. The visitors eventually tied the game at 3-3 just a minute into the third period.
That third period, though. The goals came quick and often. Three goals in the first two minutes between both clubs, including two for the Jackets to regain the lead and put away a victory. I’m a fan of wild scoring hockey, and the final period was a delight.
The biggest story of the game also came to fruition in the third, as a Blue Jackets rookie picked up his first ever NHL points.
The Great: Oliver Bjorkstrand
Bjorkstrand’s NHL debut was a story fitting of most Jackets during Thursday’s game against Detroit: okay, not spectacular. Tonight, in his second game? Maybe we should have known things would be different. Our own Alison shared some insight from Bjorkstrand’s Traverse City performance this past fall.
Yes it is early, but this reminds me of Bjorkstrand’s first appearance at Traverse City this Fall…1st game, quiet. Figuring it all out…(1/2)
— Alison (@AlisonL) March 19, 2016
Second game he put the team on his back and went 2-3-5 and lit up the tourney.He settles in and catches up to lvl of play pretty quick (2/2)
— Alison (@AlisonL) March 19, 2016
And wouldn’t you know it? Bjorkstrand was a possessed player in game #2. Early on he was erroneously awarded an assist, and denied a goal as a shot bounced off the post. But the signs were there, as Bjorkstrand was buzzing with offensive zone chances. In the post-game press conference, John Tortorella noted, “You could see early in the game, the puck was following him around.”
Then in the third, everything clicked. Bjorkstrand rushed up the slot, picked up a sweet dish from Alex Wennberg, and the Dane opened up his NHL scoring career.
.@OBjorkstrand will never forget this one.#CBJhttps://t.co/usSZISrni8
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 20, 2016
In the past few days, John Tortorella mentioned an emphasis on Alex Wennberg shooting more often. That’s a fair critique, and a fine weapon to add to Wennberg’s arsenal. For now? That sweet passing talent is nice to have around. Combine Wennberg’s touch with Bjorkstrand’s speed and ability to find the space? Hopefully we’ll remember this goal as a look into the future of the CBJ. “Bjorkstrand from Wennberg” is a fine thing to see on the score sheet.
Oh, and Bjorkstrand didn’t let up. Five minutes later, the rookie potted his second NHL goal.
Bjorkstrand x2!!! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/EPheIYId85
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 20, 2016
I think this was the more impressive of the two, with Bjorkstrand’s excellent shot on display as he worked through the New Jersey traffic. It was the sixth of the night and more than enough to put the result out of reach for the Devils.
The rest of the game, the Blue Jackets were visibly trying to set up the hat trick and the rookie was clearly pushing for his third. With about 9 minutes left, Bjorkstrand drew a high sticking double minor. When the Dane returned on the man-advantage (cotton in nose to stop the bleeding from the penalty), he set up in the slot and was recipient of all the passes. He couldn’t quite nab another, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. One shot rung off Yann Danis’ mask, and several passes came within just inches from clean control. The last even strength shift was an act of Bjorkstrand vs The Devils, as the rookie showed off shifty speed and rapid fire shots. No extra points, but a fun display anyway.
In the post-game, Bjorkstrand was (rightfully) awarded the game’s first star. In his bench interview with Jody Shelley on Fox Sports Ohio, Bjorkstrand called the game, “One of the best nights of my life.” He later added, “Maybe next game I can get three.”
You know what: why the heck not?
More Multi-Point Jackets: Boone Jenner, Alex Wennberg, Matt Calvert
Lots of points meant lots of contributors. Boone Jenner continued a breakout season, picking up his 25th goal of the year and adding an assist on Atkinson’s power play tally. Coming into the night, there were only 33 players with 25 or more goals in the NHL. While this has been a disappointing team year, it’s exciting to see the rise of Jenner as a serious threat.
I’ve already mentioned Alexander Wennberg’s passing versus shooting situation. Tonight, the Blue Jackets were the beneficiary of two primary assists from the Swede (one to Atkinson, one on Bjorkstrand’s first). The latter was especially impressive, even apart from the significance to receiving player. Wennberg also finished the night as team-leader in even strength CF% at 64% (via Natural Stat Trick).
Matt Calvert had some of the quietest points I can remember, picking up assists on both Bjorkstrand goals. I say that because Calvert was most visible on the plays without points. In particular, Calvert was an effective penalty kill force, eating up clock by possessing the puck in the NJ zone several times.
Tweets of the Game
I’m fond of both silly “Bjork” celebrations here. And I want to see them more often!
Bjorkstrand X 2! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/weKa6QQCqJ
— T1TESLA (@T1TESLA) March 20, 2016
OLIVER OLIVER OLIVER!! THAT'S NUMBER 2!! #CBJ pic.twitter.com/Lu4VjTCwGU
— Drew Pineault (@DrewPineault) March 20, 2016
The Blue Jackets have a Devil of a rematch tomorrow in New Jersey!
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