Checking the Box Score - Lake Erie 4, Ontario 3

Anton Forsberg with the win in goal last night.

Last night the Lake Erie Monsters opened their first ever third round playoff series by defeating the Ontario, CA- Reign by a score of 4-3.  With goals by Sedlak, Anderson, and Craig in the second period, Lake Erie took a 3 to 1 lead into the third period.  Ontario answered with 2 goals in the third to tie the game, but 19 seconds later Broadhurst scored the game winning goal off assists by Werenski and Emminger.

Most important for Blue Jackets fans was the fact that Anton Forsberg was in the net for the Monsters.  Forsberg has had some ups and downs this year, and has struggled at the NHL level.  However, he is still a young and developing goal tender.  After being sent down from the injury call up where Korpisalo established himself in the Blue Jackets net, Forsberg responded with sterling play down the stretch to help the Monsters clinch their playoff berth.  With Korpisalo coming down to the AHL at the end of the Blue Jackets season, Korpisalo was given the net going into the playoffs due to his strong play in the NHL.  Following the first round sweep, Korpisalo appeared to be faltering late in the second round playoff series.  Enter Forsberg, who iced the second round win by keeping Grand Rapids off the board, and allowing the Monsters to tie the final game, and subsequently win it in overtime.

I was wondering how Coach Bednar would handle this situation, and I am pleased to see that he rewarded Forsberg with the start.  It makes sense, and has huge long term implications for the Blue Jackets.  More and more in this league it is looking like you need an effective tandem of goal tenders to be successful over the long term.  Forsberg and Korpisalo are developing into a very effective tandem, which is being forged in the heat of a playoff run.  This is very valuable experience that will help both players develop further and has this fan very excited about the young pair's future.

GO JACKETS!!
GO MONSTERS!!!