Blue Jackets beat Red Wings 4-1 in first game with fans
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — In their first game with fans inside Nationwide Arena, the Blue Jackets gave the crowd of nearly 2,000 plenty to cheer about beating the Red Wings 4-1 to snap a five-game winless streak.
The Blue jackets are currently allowing 10% capacity but look to expand after Gov. Mike DeWine said last week that indoor sports venues can host up to 25% of their capacity.
“It’s great to see everyone in this arena,” CBJ captain Nick Foligno said to the crowd immediately following the win. “We missed you guys. Thank you for your support. Let’s have a lot of fun from here on out.”
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Oliver Bjorkstrand #28 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is checked into the boards by Danny DeKeyser #65 of the Detroit Red Wings while skating after the puck during the second period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Alexandre Texier #42 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates the puck away from Adam Erne #73 of the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Jonathan Bernier #45 of the Detroit Red Wings blocks a redirected shot by Max Domi #16 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Columbus Blue Jackets fans celebrate a goal by Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period of the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Jack Roslovic #96 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the second period of the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Nick Foligno #71 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates a goal by Jack Roslovic #96 against Jonathan Bernier #45 of the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Michael Del Zotto #15 of the Columbus Blue Jackets checks Robby Fabbri #14 of the Detroit Red Wings into the boards while chasing after a loose puck during the first period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save as Gabriel Carlsson #53 attempts to knock the puck away from Luke Glendening #41 of the Detroit Red Wings during the first period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vladislav Namestnikov #92 of the Detroit Red Wings battle for control of the puck during the first period at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: A group of fans watch as the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings warm up prior to the start of the game at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – MARCH 2: A pair of fans wait to enter the building prior to the start of the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on March 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Blue Jackets were allowed to have a limited number of fans back in attendance for the first time this season. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
1 / 11
Cam Atkinson scored first on a short-handed goal just under eight minutes into the game. Atkinson now has four short-handed goals this season, the most in the NHL.
Detroit tied the game 15 minutes and 46 seconds into the first period and the teams were tied 1-1 after one period. But CBJ played strong in the second period scoring three goals while holding the Red Wings scoreless.
“That was the best second period of our season so far,” Atkinson said.
Riley Nash gave CBJ a 2-1 lead and then jack Roslovic scored his fifth goal with CBJ on deflection off a shot by Zach Werenski who had two assists in the game and returned to his top form on offense.
Werenski’s puck handling was on full display on his second assist to a wide-open Boone Jenner who finished in the bottom left corner.
Joonas Korpisalo made 19 saves in the win.
CBJ will start a two-game road series with the Dallas Stars on Thursday at 8:30.
