The Columbus Blue Jackets entered play against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night looking to shake a three-game winless streak. The Canes came off a 3-1 win over the Panthers Tuesday night.
Right off the faceoff, the Jackets had trouble getting the puck across center ice, and the Hurricanes, foot on the throttle, keeping possession in their zone.
Columbus would not have their first shot on net until nearly five minutes in.
However, despite all the early pressure by Carolina, it was Columbus who struck first when Brandon Dubinsky beat Cam Ward on a breakaway, thanks to a lead pass from center ice by Tyler Motte.