Jackets 6, Canucks 5 (SO)
The Skinny: Rick Nash had a goal, an assist and the clinching goal in the shootout as the Blue Jackets beat the Canucks for the third time this season. Five different Canucks lit the lamp, but Vancouver surrendered a 3-1 second period lead as Columbus scored four goals in a span of 5:06.
The Swedish Touch: Mats Sundin may not be quite up to speed, but his second goal as a Canuck was a thing of beauty. Off the rush, Sundin took a pass from Pavol Demitra just over the blue line, faked a wrist shot and then beat a sprawling Steve Mason by roofing a backhand.
The Fashion Statement: Luongo debuted a new mask against Columbus. The off-white base is adorned with a Johnny Canuck logo above the cage, a stylized blue and green “V” that begins above each ear and a blue “C” to mark Luongo’s captaincy.
The Milestones: Rick Nash became the Blue Jackets’ all-time leading scorer in a contest that was the 3,000th game in Canucks’ history.
The Rating: This wasn’t a well-played game by either team, but there were numerous moments of excitement. *** (out of five)
The Next Game: The Canucks play their final game prior to the All Star Break in San Jose tomorrow night against the league leading Sharks.
