It’s about time two points are awarded to the win column, in Nashville that is. While the Blue Jackets had won just one game in the month of November leading into last night’s affair in the Music City, there had been a winless drought there since April 3, 2006. The Blue Jackets were in search of their first road victory of the 2011-12 season as well, playing in front of their fathers for the final contest of a two game trip.
To the ice we go with backup goaltender Curtis Sanford getting the nod for the Blue Jackets, starting in just his second game of the season.
The Nashville Predators hit the score sheet first as forward Colin Wilson found the back of the net for his 5th tally of the season. The score would remain 1-0 in favor of the Predators after one period of play. The Blue Jackets out shot the Predators 9-7 in a fight filled first frame. Blue Jackets forwards Derek Dorsett and Jared Boll tussled with Predator Forwards Jordan Tootoo and Brian McGrattan. The aggressive style of play and willingness to drop the gloves is an important factor in the Blue Jackets overall play as of late.
The 2nd period was well underway when center Jeff Carter found open space for his first goal of the 2011-12 season and first as a member of the Blue Jackets. Captain Rick Nash with the helper on the goal. The Predators and Blue Jackets would exchange tallies again halfway through the 2nd, Vinny Prospal adding his sixth goal of the season from Rick Nash and defensemen Fedor Tyutin with just under eight minutes to play in the period. Forward Mike Fisher scoring for Nashville.
Forward RJ Umberger cashed in on the Power Play at 1:45 of the 3rd period to give the Blue Jackets the go ahead goal. Umberger his 2nd of the season from forward Ryan Johansen and defensemen James Wisniewski. Predators center Nick Spalling managed to add to the score sheet to tie the game at three, eventually sending the game into overtime.
The winless streak in Nashville came to an end at 2:43 of OT as James Wisniewski added his first goal of the 2011-12 season and first as a member of the Blue Jackets, Antoine Vermette with the helper.
“It went straight in, he didn’t really move that much,” Wisniewski said. “I’m guessing, being the goaltender that he is, he probably got screened. Luckily enough for me.”
Luckily enough indeed, especially for a guy the Blue Jackets are counting heavily on to contribute to the score sheet.
The Blue Jackets received praise from Predators head coach Barry Trotz after the game.
“They were checking well, and I give Columbus full credit,” Trotz said. “Their record is not an indication of how good a team they are. They are very talented and they’ve been playing pretty well.”
Meanwhile, goaltender Curtis Sanford discussed his 4-0 record in Nashville following the game.
“There really is no secret,” Sanford said. It was basically a fresh start for us in this building. We have a lot of new faces in here, myself included. I don’t think you can really look at history. This is a new team.”
A lot of new faces indeed, some in which are beginning to pay off for the Blue Jackets.
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