It only took 31 seconds for Vinny Prospal to score goal 250 of his career giving the Jackets a 1-0 lead in Chicago on Friday night. For Jackets fans it all seemed too good. Of course it was. The first period ended with the score tied 1-1 and both teams getting seven shots on goal.
The Jackets had a ray of hope again in the second period as Artem Anisimov scored with 7:18 remaining with a long slapshot that deflected off Blackhawks defender, Daniel Carcillo. Now is the classic time for Jackets fans to wonder how the team can blow the 2-1 lead. How about allowing a Patrick Sharp back-hand goal from an impossible angle and giving up a break-away goal to Ryan Bickell in a span of 59 seconds...mission accomplished. The Jackets not only gave up the lead, but also lost all momentum.
Here's the inexplicable part of the game. The Jackets were outshot 17-8 in the third period and still outscored the Hawks 1-0. Ryan Johansen, the 20-year old center for the Jackets scored his first goal of the season with 7:37 left in regulation deking out Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery for a sick back-hand finish.
Overtime was predictable. Brent Seabrook scored 3:23 into OT on an impressive no-look pass from Blackhawk teammate Jonathan Toews.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are now 5-12-4 (14 points) after a 4-3 overtime defeat in Chicago.
The Blackhawks can probably look to a tremendous save by Emery 12 minutes into the game as the difference in this contest. Cam Atkinson shot the puck and was denied by Emery's skate and the post, preventing the Jackets from taking a two-goal lead that could have led to the Blackhawks' first regulation loss of the season.
The Hawks outshot the Jackets 35-22 and missed on plenty of scoring opportunities. Patrick Kane hit the post less than five minutes into regulation and Jamal Mayers hit the inside post with a wide-open net 2:38 into the third period.
Steve Mason had another up-and-down performance in net for Columbus. The 24-year old was playing outstanding until he allowed Sharp to score from a terrible angle with 2:40 left in the second period and (when it rains it pours) gave up his third goal of the evening 59 seconds later. Overall he played well, but fans in Columbus will wonder "why" when watching replays of the Sharp goal.
The number to remember after Friday's defeat is 10. Columbus has now lost 10 of its 16 games by one goal. The Blackhawks have defeated the Jackets in 10 straight games.
At least that first-round pick's looking good.
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