The Columbus Blue Jackets got off to a quick start, going up 2-0 in the first period thanks to Zach Werenski and Artemi Panarin, and they'll be leaving Sunrise with another win.
Here's the surprising part: it came in comeback fashion.
Florida took the lead after three straight goals, and from there it was a back-and-forth battle. The Blue Jackets actually entered the third period down by a goal, but late in the period – and after tying it up – Cam Atkinson lifted the puck past a sprawled-out James Reimer to give Columbus a 5-4 lead that they would not relinquish.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLUE JACKETS | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| PANTHERS | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
John Tortorella's shakeup of the power play lines seemed to pay immediate dividends, too, with two power play goals – including one from Anthony Duclair. The Blue Jackets seemed much more eager to chase pucks and keep their legs moving while on the man advantage.
Bread to Duclair. Not a bigggg dealllll.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/c0rrdoBCBy
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 12, 2018
That said, they did have plenty of issues all night long, getting their wires crossed defensively, sloppily turning the puck over and getting out-skated by the Panthers all night. All four Florida goals were scored directly off of Blue Jackets turnovers – either at the blue line or in their own end – giving one of the league's most high-powered lineups too many good chances to take control of the game.
Despite all of that, it was still a good game for Joonas Korpisalo, who saved 36 of 40 shots on the night and made a few highlight-reel saves.
Before that, Joonas Korpisalo made one sensational set of saves.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/obbEF1JPIf
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 12, 2018
Korpisalo wasn't the only Blue Jacket with a standout game – Panarin had three points while Atkinson and Werenski each added two points of their own.
Injury Update
Brandon Dubinsky and Seth Jones remain week-to-week with injuries.
Next Up
The Blue Jackets will head over to the Gulf Coast for a matchup with Tampa Bay on Saturday, then have a long break before a Thursday matchup at home against the Philadelphia Flyers.
