First Period

After controlling much of their last game, but ending with a loss, the Blue Jackets looked to get back to their winning ways. The period began with a bit of a feeling out process as these two teams meet only twice a year. Los Angeles got on the board first after defenseman Zach Werenski gloved the puck in front of his own net, essentially serving it up for Dustin Brown. Columbus answered quickly with a goal of their own after Bjorkstrand found Sedlak on the other side of the crease. Sedlak’s goal was his first of the season. With the score tied, Columbus took control of the game. They were buzzing around the net and using gritty play in the corners to set the tone of the game. This culminated in what should have been Dubois’s easiest goal of the season. The young center, though, shot the puck directly into the leg pad of Jonathan Quick, ignoring the three-quarters of open net staring at him. Dubois atoned for his gaffe when he found Panarin with a goal-mouth pass. Panarin then did what Panarin does: buried it top-shelf. The Jackets headed to the locker room with a 12-8 lead on the shot counter and a 2-1 lead on the scoreboard.

Second Period

Both teams came out in the second period with intensity. The Jackets seemed to employ a sort of “bend, but don’t break” defense, allowing the Kings to buzz around the net, but not giving up a goal. Dubois again struggled to find his shot. He collected a pass in front of the net and beat Quick, only to bang the puck off the crossbar. Midway through the period, the Jackets found another gear after killing a Seth Jones penalty. They also managed to exorcise their power play demon in the ensuing minutes. Panarin collected a long rebound from a point shot and went backhand to forehand to top-shelf, seemingly in one motion, to score. As if a weight was lifted from the shoulders (perhaps from Tortorella breathing down their necks), Columbus started rolling. Josh Anderson, doubtful just yesterday, tested the cannon crew’s reloading skills when he scored before the Panarin goal announcement could even be made. The Blue Jackets out-shot L.A. 16-11 in the second, really flexing their muscles late in the period, to earn a 4-1 lead.

Third Period

As the third period began, Nationwide Arena had a sense of cautious optimism. Given Tuesday’s game, that’s no surprise. Both teams had good chances, but the goalies proved they were up to the task and no goals were recorded. Quick had a scare as he misplayed the puck behind the net, sending it trickling to the front. Riley Nash, however, couldn’t hold his edges long enough to tap the puck into the wide open net. The Jackets sensed they could finally leave with a victory and turned to a dump and chase strategy as the period. With thirty seconds left and a three-goal lead, the fans felt it was safe to celebrate. They stood and applauded the team. Some cheered for the team’s effort and resiliency. Others seemed to cheer more for the relief.

Final Thoughts

While it may have been only a few games, and every team has slumps, Columbus fans have watched their team under perform many times, so even a short skid has the feeling of snowballing. The Jackets put those thoughts to rest, righted the ship, and got back in the win column with their most complete game of the month (not much competition). While many may consider the end-of-game protect strategy to be “boring hockey,”, it’s important to remember their point total is not affected by style points, or lack thereof. Columbus needed a win Thursday to prove to everyone, most importantly themselves, they still have it. The Kings may not be a marquee opponent (evidenced by the many empty seats around Nationwide), but sometimes any win is all it takes. Fans will find out Saturday as the Ducks are in town for the fourth game of this six-game home stand.

Avid watcher of the Blue Jackets, Browns, Indians, and Buckeyes. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @jacksonsjackets for CBJ news, updates, and articles.