The CBJ took on the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night, in what was the last Blue Jackets’ game ever to be played in Joe Louis Arena.
In proper farewell fashion, the last go around at Joe Louis Arena was a hard fought thriller, that needed extra hockey to decide a winner.
The Red Wings got on the board first, scoring the opening goal 3:22 into the first. Nick Jensen caught a cross ice pass to bang in the goal past Sergei Bobrovsky.
Later in the first, Brandon Dubinsky would answer back with a relentless goal to tie the game at one. Dubinsky’s initial shot missed, but he was able to hack away at his own rebound, forcing the tying goal.
Dubinsky would go on to have a stand out night by getting himself three points. one coming off of his first period goal and two on primary assists.
Even later into a very busy first period, Cam Atkinson would give the CBJ the 2-1 lead. Dubinsky served the puck up to a crossing Atkinson, who pulled a nifty shot fake and the drilled home the puck, scoring his 26th goal of the season.
The second period would not be as exciting.
The Red Wings would have the lone goal of the period. Thomas Vanek found himself of the business end of a pass from Justin Abdelkadee. Vanek would easily snap the shot past Bobrovski.
Vanek’s game tying goal, mixed with a scoreless third period, would go on to provide a thrilling finish to the last CBJ show in Joe Louis Arena.
It was playing out to be a storybook final matchup, in a venue that has so much history and has meant so much to both sides over the years. Most recently for Zach Werenski, whose roots rest only a stone’s throw from the arena.
Zach wrote an emotional letter about what it meant growing up in shadow of Joe Louis Arena and the impact it had on his life. Needless to say emotions were running high for the 19-year-old.
With 1:38 left in 3 on 3 overtime hockey, Seth Jones gave the CBJ a abrupt and victorious departure for the final time.
Dubinsky brought the puck up the ice and casually dropped the puck up to a wide open Jones. Jones winded up and shit a thunderous slap shot from the top of the circle, beating Petr Mrazek over the shoulder. It was a perfectly placed, top shelf, walk off goal.
HOT N READY ? pic.twitter.com/wPExAcF4fB
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) February 8, 2017
With Tuesday’s win, the Jackets moved to 34-14-5 with 73 points. The win stopped the CBJ from losing three in row, which the team is yet to do this season.
The Jackets take the ice again Thursday, facing off against Vancouver, in what will be the first of a six game home stand at Nationwide Arena.
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