DETROIT u2015 It was only one game, but those hoping the Blue Jackets finish with the best odds to win the “Connor Bedard Sweepstakes” in the 2023 NHL draft lottery might’ve felt a chill go through their spine Saturday night.
It wasn’t the Blue Jackets’ nail-biting 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesar’s Arena that did it as much as it was Patrik Laine waking from a season-long slumber fueled by injuries and a COVID-19 infection.
Laine’s 10th NHL hat trick and second with the Blue Jackets helped Columbus build a 4-0 lead and control the game through the first two periods.