No need to pinch yourselves.
The Blue Jackets did it again. This time, it was in complete reverse fashion.
Rather than fall behind 3-0 and claw their way back into the game, they did it with a bit less stress (relatively speaking). Columbus scored first, scored second, and scored third – building a 3-0 lead through two periods and adding two more in the third period to take a 2-0 series lead to Nationwide Arena on Sunday.
And, folks, there were some pretty goals tonight. Let's break it down in GIFs.
What a pass from Duchene to Atkinson. Big early goal for the Blue Jackets.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/M2RVryFOTO
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 12, 2019
This is how Matt Duchene started his big night: a delicious pass from the boards to Cam Atkinson in front of the net, and Atkinson chipped it through Andrei Vasilevskiy. 1-0, Blue Jackets.
THAT PUCK HAD EYES, ZACH.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/epluiQnUOC
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 12, 2019
Nothing to see here, just a seeing-eye dart from Zach Werenski...on the power play! 2-0 lead for the Blue Jackets.
Tonight's entre? Andrei Vasilevskiy.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/RZIsMzF55r
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2019
Hello again, Mr. Duchene. A wonderful pass from Panarin, and Duchene patiently buries his first career Stanley Cup Playoffs goal. 3-0.
Riley Nash, getting greedy for his team.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/VplU6ClFjo
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 13, 2019
As you all expected: a huge playoff goal from Riley Nash. And a big response for the Blue Jackets to answer the Lightning's goal in the third period. 4-1 game.
The beautiful game.
Put this clip on loop and let it ride. Panarin and Duchene making magic.
