from Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch,
In the end, the Russians did it.
Needing a win against the New York Rangers to clinch their third straight trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday night at Madison Square Garden, the Blue Jackets got their clincher in a 3-2 shootout win thanks to the efforts of their two Russian stars.
Sergei Bobrovsky made some dazzling stops among his 25 saves — including a left pad robbery of Brett Howden late in the third period and a 3-of-3 performance in the shootout — while Artemi Panarin scored with 5:33 left in the third period and scored the only goal of the shootout.
“I don’t think (Panarin) and all those (top line) guys were dead on tonight, but when it came time for a big play, we got it, and that’s what defines those type of players,” coach John Tortorella said. “We got a huge save from Bob. I’m happy. I’m happy for the team.”
Watch the game highlights below.
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