Ryan Johansen had previously scored four game-winning goals in his young NHL career, but none were more timely, breathtaking or downright massive than No. 5 Sunday night in San Jose.
Less than four minutes after a Joe Pavelski power play goal rallied the Sharks from a two-goal, third period deficit to tie the game at 3-3, Johansen pounced on a turnover created by RJ Umberger at the offensive blue line and took three strides right into the high slot. He unleashed a wicked wrister over a Sharks defenseman and past the blocker side of Antti Niemi to give the Blue Jackets a 4-3 lead with 1:33 to play.
Suddenly the Sharks, who had lost once in regulation at home all season long entering tonight’s game, were on the ropes for the second time in 20 minutes. They built plenty of momentum with a furious push in the third period and fired pucks from all angles (out-shooting Columbus by a 35-22 margin on the night), eventually breaking through for a pair of third-period tallies to bring the game level.
But their opponent was up to the task tonight and didn’t let a quick burst from San Jose deter its flow – and full credit to the Blue Jackets’ young players for stepping into the spotlight in the most important game of the season.
Oh, and there was a three-point night for Mark Letestu – the first of his career. The Blue Jackets’ most versatile player was an X-factor tonight, scoring two of Columbus’ first three goals and assisting on a breakaway goal for Vinny Prospal that gave the Jackets a 2-0 lead in the second period. The consistent pressure and forechecking presence allowed Todd Richards to roll four lines with ease and get everyone involved, creating a huge defensive issue for the Sharks (who didn’t know who to key in on).
With the win, the Blue Jackets moved to 51 points on the season and into a virtual tie for seventh place in the Western Conference though tiebreakers have them alone in eighth place for the time being. Two games remain on the schedule: Thursday night in Dallas and Saturday night at Nationwide Arena against the Nashville Predators.
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