In Columbus, Kent Johnson scored his 12th goal of the season midway through the third period on Thursday to give the Blue Jackets a 2-1 lead over the Winnipeg Jets.
“I was looking for a pass and didn’t want to force one through the seam,” Johnson said. “I thought I could surprise the goalie there. It wasn’t a hard shot. If he sees it, he probably saves it. I didn’t even see it go in.”
Boone Jenner added an empty-net goal to seal the win with a 3-1 final.
Joonas Korpisalo made 37 saves in the Blue Jackets win.
Columbus moved to 17-34-4.
“Give their goalie credit, he played a good game,” Winnipeg coach Rick Bowness said. “But the other point is there were times we had some Grade A’s we missed the net on, and too many times he saw the puck and trapped the puck, so the greasy goals weren’t going to be there in that period. But we played a really good period.”
Kyle Connor was the lone striker for the Jets, his first period power play goal staked Winnipeg to a 1-0 lead.
“You go out there to win every single game,” Winnipeg forward Nikolaj Ehlers said. “It doesn’t matter who you go against, but it’s definitely one we should have one.”
Patrik Laine scored in the second period to tie the game, 1-1.
“The bye week [last week] was good for us,” Laine said. “Everyone could look in the mirror and think about what they want to do the rest of the year. We need to try and build momentum for next year, show these young guys what winning hockey is. Try to learn it now so we’re ready for next year.”
Laine’s goal was off the power play, and his first eight games.
Winnipeg dropped to 34-20-1.
The loss snapped a three-game win streak for the Jets.
Columbus was outshot in the first period, 12-2.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted, but our goalie kept us in it,” Columbus coach Brad Larsen said. “There was nothing going on in that period. All the best teams, you watch them, and they have periods like that. They do. But one goal is a lot different than three. You get some momentum, and you’re one shot away.”
David Rittich made 21 saves in the Winnipeg loss.
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