Blue Jackets hold off Sabres for road win
The Blue Jackets appeared in total control up 5-0 after two periods, but ultimately needed an empty netter from Oliver Bjorkstrand, recalled from Cleveland earlier in the day to put away the host Buffalo Sabres 6-4 at the First Niagara Center on Friday (Oct. 2).
The Jackets jumped on its host with a 17-5 edge in shots through the first 20 minutes and as a result, carried a 3-0 lead into the middle frame. Despite being limited to just four opportunities in the middle period, the Jackets added two more goals.
The Sabres finally hit the board 4:14 into the final period, but then added another 46 seconds later and another pair 64 seconds apart suddenly had the hosts knocking the door with 6:55 still to play.
Lukas Sedlak, Dean Kukan and Markus Hannikainen each scored in the opening period for a Blue Jackets team made up almost entirely of prospects.
The second period goals came from Bjorkstrand and William Karlsson. Bjorkstrand was named as the game’s Second Star and Karlsson added three assists in the game, picking up Third Star honors.
Jamie McGinn, the game’s First star had two of the Sabres goals with others for Zemgus Girgensons and Evander Kane.
Curtis McElhinney stopped 24 shots to pick up the win in goal for the Blue Jackets and Robin Lehner handled 20 of 25 in goal for the Sabres.
The Blue Jackets will play one more home game, returning home to host the Nashville Predators Saturday (Oct. 3).
About Author
jimmerdenhollander@gmail.com
Born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to the state of Wisconsin in my late 30's. I worked at various newspapers and magazines in various sports positions for 25 years before changing careers five years ago. Now I am streamlining my focus on hockey only and in particular, all levels of hockey in the American Midwest.