Throughout the third period, I try to figure out the narrative structure to use for my game recap. Obviously that’s harder to do in a close game, which could go either way, but this felt like one where every bounce was going against the Columbus Blue Jackets. I was going to write about how they shot themselves in the foot with too many penalties. I was going to talk about them extending their longest winless streak of the season.
Instead, I get to write about a victory, but one which leaves the fans angry and the team wounded.