#LGRW Final: Red Wings slip past Blue Jackets in OT, 3-2

DETROIT -- Bobby Ryan isn't wasting any time assimilating to the Detroit Red Wings lineup. Etching his name into the record books doesn't hurt either.

Ryan became the first player in Red Wings history to score four goals in his first three games, helping Detroit secure a 3-2 overtime win and a series split against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena.
With the victory, the Red Wings improved to 2-2 with four points on the season. Columbus drops to 1-3. Jonathan Bernier earned the win in net, making 22 saves on 24 shots.

The Red Wings will hit the road to face a familiar foe this weekend, starting a two-game series against the host Chicago Blackhawks on Friday from the United Center.
Despite some defensive lapses, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill was pleased with his team's effort, especially in an effort that resulted in two points.
"We're still giving too many rush chances up against, so there's still areas we need to get better at," Blashill said. "But I thought our puck support was really good, I thought we moved the puck pretty well to each other. We've just got to keep working at it and keep getting better."

The first period featured a combined 15 shots, with Columbus owning an 8-7 edge. Scoring chances were scarce as both teams looked to develop a consistent offensive flow.
Columbus quickly got on the board less than two minutes (18:22) into the second period, after Boone Jenner scored from the left face-off circle. Max Domi hit Jenner in stride, and his wrist shot beat Bernier.
The Red Wings answered just two minutes later with their first power-play goal of the season to tie the game, 1-1. Captain Dylan Larkin set up the play with a shot that bounced off Tyler Bertuzzi's skate to an open Anthony Mantha, who snapped the puck into the open net. It marked Mantha's first goal of the season.

At the 5:43 mark of the second period, Ryan extended his blistering start to the season--and gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead--after lifting the puck into the net from the right side. It was his fourth goal in just his third game with Detroit. Jon Merrill and Frans Nielsen assisted on the goal, with Merrill picking up his first point with the Red Wings. The Wings took the 2-1 lead into the dressing room for the second intermission.
"When (Ryan's) skating well, he can use his skillset," Blashill said. "He's got really good hands; he's got a really good offensive mind. I've been really impressed with his leadership. He's been great to have around. He's a guy that was a really, really high pick for a reason. He's got lots of talent, and I think he's done a really good job here, both in his approach, his leadership and also his play."

Columbus evened the score, 2-2, after Alexandre Texier found the back of the net at 14:56 of the third period. His long shot sneaked past Bernier with Liam Foudy simultaneously setting up for a potential rebound in front of the net. The Red Wings challenged the goal for interference, but it was held up after video review. The Red Wings were handed an ensuing 2:00 minor for delay of game, but killed the penalty. Neither team scored for the remainder of the period, leading into the three-on-three overtime session.
Just 15 seconds into overtime (4:45), Larkin and Bertuzzi teamed up on a two-on-one situation to give the Red Wings the 3-2 win. Larkin threw the puck at the net, which collided with goalie Elvis Merzlikins, then off Bertuzzi's leg into the goal.
Larkin is pleased with the approach the team has taken early in the season, and is encouraged that the level of play is sustainable.
"I mentioned it last game, I liked our process every game, the way we played with the puck, our confidence," Larkin said. "Our goaltending's been great. I think starting the season here 2-2 is huge. It's huge for our confidence. The way we're playing is repeatable and I feel like we can play like that every night. It was a big win tonight and a great home stand."
Puck drop from Chicago is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday. The Blackhawks are 0-3-1 on the season, but picked up their first point, after dropping an overtime decision at the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.