Columbus Blue Jackets take a 2-1 lead in the second-round of the Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Boston Bruins. In a tightly contested series thus far with both of the first games going into double overtime, this game was decided in regulation by way of a 2-1 score.
Nationwide Arena was filled with a crowd of over 19,000 people, intensifying the noise level with each game in the playoffs.
Game Recap
The first period was back and forth, as Boston missed some key opportunities.
Jackets were able to break through with 1:23 left in the period as Boone Jenner was able to finish just inside of the post, taking a 1-0 lead.
Into the second period, the Jackets were able to take a 2-0 lead on the power play at 12:42—Matt Duchene was able to grab a second rebound and put the puck into the net.
Sergei Bobrovsky made several stellar saves as the Bruins would push late into the period; they would however, break through with just 39.9 seconds left, as Jake DeBrusk brought the score to 1-2 Jackets.
Boston would pull Tuukka Rask with just 2:09 left in the third period, but Bobrovsky was too much as he made an incredible save with 1:01 left from a high tip.
Columbus Blue Jackets would come away with a 2-1 win, which would also give them a 2-1 lead in the series.
“It’s not tough, it’s awesome. I don’t know how to explain it to you guys. This is what you envisioned playoff hockey to be. This is what I did, at least. The hardness of it, the compete from everybody—you get hit, they hit you, you hit them, sticks are flying, punches. It’s fun. It’s what you dream about as a player.” –Captain Nick Foligno on the nature of this series
Making History
- Matt Duchene is the first Blue Jackets player ever to score five goals in a playoff season;
- The attendance was the second largest in Nationwide Arena History, with 19,337 in attendance;
- Blue Jackets have 59 goals in the last 15 games, where they hold a 13-2 record;
- Blue Jackets are currently 3-0 at home in the playoffs; and
- Blue Jackets are 8-for-21 this postseason on the power play.
Columbus Blue Jackets will take on Boston Bruins Thursday May 2 at 7:30 PM ET for Game 4.
