The Blue Jackets picked up a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena tonight, putting their record back at an even .500 (3-3). The Stars dropped to 1-6-1 after tonight's contest.
Zach Werenski started the scoring for the Blue Jackets and Alexander Wennberg added their second goal, both coming in the first period. A Miro Heiskanen goal cut the Blue Jackets' lead in half, but Sonny Milano scored a ludicrous, between-the-legs goal to make it 3-1, Columbus. Joe Pavelski scored with 4.5 seconds left for the Stars, but it was too little, too late.
Here are three things from tonight's win.
Korpi-Solid
Joonas Korpisalo has earned the title of the Blue Jackets' #1 goaltender, and with performances like tonight, he won't be relinquishing it any time soon.
Korpisalo saved 30 of 32 shots for an .938 save percentage, including several particularly outstanding stops, like this one:
KorpisalNO.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/rhKDK52TZS
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 16, 2019
There were many questions about the status of the Blue Jackets' goaltending corps entering the season, but Korpisalo is answering those questions one game at a time.
Wennberg Finds the Net
Alexander Wennberg scored his first 5v5 goal since March 20th, 2018 after an excellent shift in the Stars' zone.
WALK THAT WALK, WENNBERG.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/UOpo27QJaq
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 16, 2019
Wennberg has looked much-improved from last season. He's noticeably more physical, faster, and not afraid to shoot his shot, as evidenced by tonight's performance.
Wennberg also should have notched an assist late in the second period, but Oliver Bjorkstrand missed a gaping net. The Swede has four points in his last four games.
Milano's Highlight-Reel Finish
You'll see this one replayed over and over. Milano uses his speed to get by the Stars' defensemen and finishes past netminder Ben Bishop in ridiculous fashion in what ended up being the game-winning goal.
SONNY MILANO IS CLOWNING ON THE STARS #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ETif0Fd87m
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 17, 2019
While Milano's start to this year wasn't ideal, flashes of brilliance like this serve as a reminder of his potential. It was Milano's first NHL goal since October 18th, 2018.
The Blue Jackets have a candidate for goal of the year, and they've only played six games.
