Columbus Blue Jackets edge past the Minnesota Wild 4-3
Goalkeeper Steve Mason stopped 37 shots, while Rick Nash had two assists and a goal in the shootout, to help the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Minnesota started the brighter of the two sides, as they put the home side under pressure with some swift attacking play. They were rewarded in the third minute, when Chuck Kobasew broke the deadlock to give his side the lead. The Minnesota Wild created
a number of chances after going ahead, but were unable to extend their lead. The Blue Jackets were equally frustrating in front of goal, as their finishing let them down on more than once occasion. The period ended with the Minnesota Wild leading 1-0, as they
made 11 goal attempts, while the Columbus Blue Jackets made seven goal attempts.
Columbus started the second period with a lot of confidence. Their attacking strategy paid off, when they managed to level the scores in the 10th minute. Derick Brassard scored for the hosts with a thunderous strike.
The Blue Jackets then continued to attack and created more scoring chances, but failed to capitalise on them. The Minnesota Wild soaked up the pressure, and slowly clawed their way back into the game, and mustered a few shots on goal towards the end of the
period. They were rewarded in the 20th minute, when Mikko Koivu scored from a tip-in shot. The period ended with the Minnesota Wild leading 2-1, as they made 14 goal attempts compared to the Columbus Blue Jackets six.
The home team started the final period strongly once again. They were able to score in the seventh minute, through a powerful strike from Fedor Tyutin to level the scores. Columbus then scored again in the very next minute to take the lead. The goal was
scored by Andrew Murray from a spectacular wrap around shot.
The hosts then decided to switch into defensive mode. That strategy backfired, as the Minnesota Wild scored in the 12th minute to level scores once again. The goal was scored by Cal Cutterbuck from a tip in shot. That strike sent the game into overtime,
but no goals were scored. However, the Kristian Huselius scored the decisive goal for the Blue Jackets in the shootout, to win the match 4-3.
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