Russell LaBounty-Imagn ImagesJames van Riemsdyk(15), Zach Aston-Reese(6), and Boone Jenner(7-PP-GWG) powered the Columbus comeback, and Jet Greaves was phenomenal, making 39 saves on the night for a 3-2 Columbus win.
Jet Greaves played last night for the Cleveland Monsters. Today, he made the trip down U.S. Highway 71 to Columbus after being called up due to an Elvis Merzļikins injury. He was unreal on Thursday night, making 39 saves on 41 Buffalo shots.
The Jackets battled back after going down 2-0 in the first period, scoring two early third-period goals to seal a comeback victory for the desperate Blue Jackets. They knew they had to win to give themselves at least another 24 hours in the playoff race. Tomorrow, if Montréal wins, the Blue Jackets will be eliminated with only four games left in the season.
This was a good, gritty win for Columbus.
The Jackets lost Jake Christiansen to an injury after playing just four shifts. HC Dean Evason couldn't give an update on his condition. Zach Werenski also took a slash to the hand. He would leave the game bloody but would come back a few minutes later.
Qoutes
Dean Evason after the game: "We played well enough and hard enough here to get two points. We need to continue to do that in the last four games."
Jet Greaves on playing last night and then driving to Columbus today: "Once you're in the game, you settle in, and it's just about competing and trying to win a hockey game. It's fun to be out there, and the guys did a great job, and I felt like it helped me get into the game."
James van Riemsdyk: "We knew what was at stake. Obviously, our season is on the brink and on the line, and we know obviously where we’re at. Just empty the tank as much as we can and do what we can to keep our season alive."
Special Notes
- Kirill Marchenko and Zach Werenski became the 5th set of CBJ teammates to record 40 assists each in a season.
- Zach Werenski tied Ray Whitney for the 4th most points in a single season by a Blue Jacket(76), and tied Jake Voráček for the 2nd most assists in a season in CBJ history with 56.
- Boone Jenner now has 199 goals for his career, which is third best in team history. He also scored his 43rd power play goal, which is good enough for second in team history, passing Cam Atkinson.
Final Stats
CBJ vs Sabres - CBJ APPPlayer Stats
- James van Riemsdyk scored his 15th goal of the season.
- Zach Aston-Reese scored his 6th goal.
- Boone Jenner scored his 7th goal of the season on the power play. he also had 6 shots on goal.
- Zach Werenski recorded his 56th assist. That assist tied him for the second most assists in a season.
- Kent Johnson got his 31st assist of the season.
- Erik Gudbranson tallied his 3rrd assist.
- Kirill Marchenko got his 40th assist of the season. He had 5 shots on goal as well.
- Sean Monahan recorded his 33rd assist.
- Jet Greaves made 39 saves.
Team Stats
- The Jackets power play went 1/1 on the night.
- The Columbus PK stopped the lone Buffalo power play.
- Columbus won 50% of the faceoffs.
Up Next: The Blue Jackets welcome the Washington Capitals into Columbus on Saturday.
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