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NHL Playoffs 2014, Penguins at Blue Jackets: Pittsburgh takes 2-1 series lead

By Michael Straw

Apr 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Playoffs penguins comeback
Apr 21, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) celebrates a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

For the third straight game in the first round playoff series between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins, a team had a 3-1 lead. And, for the third straight game, the team with the 3-1 lead lost.

With three goals in a 3:13 span, the Penguins were able to overcome a 3-1 third period deficit to defeat the Blue Jackets 4-3, taking back home ice and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series in the NHL playoffs.

Columbus jumped out to an early 2-0 just 3:18 into the game after Boone Jenner and Jack Johnson took advantage of a shaky Marc-Andre Fleury, who had given up a couple juicy rebounds.

With the Blue Jackets set to enter the third period with a 2-0 lead, Brooks Orpik’s wrist shot from the slot was able to beat Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky with just 0.7 seconds remaining in the period.

Columbus regained the two-goal lead on a Cam Atkinson tip-in 1:04 into the final frame. Then the Penguins took over. Brandon Sutter, Lee Stempniak and Olli Maatta all beat Bobrovsky in the aforementioned 3:13 span to give the Penguins the 4-3 lead.

The Blue Jackets were outshot by the Penguins 41-20 which ultimately was a big reason why Pittsburgh was able to pull off the third-period comeback.

Columbus now has to look to rebound in Wednesday’s game four to avoid falling to the brink of elimination.

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