Michael Grabner soars past Blue Jackets to score game-winner (Video)
With just 17 seconds left in regulation, New York Rangers forward Michael Grabner scored on a breakaway for a game-winner.
The Columbus Blue Jackets entered Thursday’s game against the Washington Capitals with 16 straight wins. After a 5-0 defeat, they were hoping to start another winning streak with a home game against the New York Rangers. However, Michael Grabner had other ideas.
With just 17 seconds left in regulation, the shifty forward scored on a breakaway. It turned out to be the game-winning goal, with the Rangers winning 5-4.
What a great job by Grabner to pick up on the turnover and end the game in regulation rather than wait for overtime. This is a huge win for the Rangers, as they stay two points ahead of the Capitals (though Washington has three games in hand). Grabner also got a huge comeback going for New York, as the Blue Jackets had a 4-1 lead before his second period goal. He now has 18 goals this season.
On the other hand, this is a horrible loss for Columbus. This is their second straight loss. Thursday’s loss was sort of acceptable because the Capitals had everything go their way. The winning streak had to end at some point anyway. However, this loss has to make head coach John Tortorella very upset.
Sure, the Rangers are a dangerous team but you can’t blow a 4-1 lead and expect to win games. Moreover, Columbus was careless with the puck at the end of the game, perhaps thinking about overtime before regulation ended. Grabner was able to catch them napping. He has the kind of speed necessary to do so. For a team that won 16 straight games, the past two nights have included some baffling mistakes from the Blue Jackets.
This night won’t define Columbus. Nor will Thursday. What will define them is how they navigate the first storm they’ve faced since late November.