If the real Blue Jackets were like the Columbus Blue Jackets, kids in America would be learning about the Confederate States Constitution.
The Colorado Avalanche buried the Blue Jackets 5-0 with, in the ultimate insult, Matt Hunwick getting the final goal on a breakaway.
David Jones had two goals and an assist; newly-acquired Steve Downie had his first goal and assist as an Av while Semyon Varlamov made 28 saves for his third shutout of the season.
The game ultimately came down to the matter of an inch. With less than a minute remaining in the first period, Colton Gillies hit the post which caromed out to David Jones who beat Columbus goaltender Steve Mason just inside the post.
Jones' goal was the fifth shot of the period for the Avs compared to nine for the Blue Jackets. Varlamov's strong performance, especially in the first period kept the Blue Jackets off the scoresheet and the Avs in the game.
The goal by Jones deflated the last-place Blue Jackets, much like the Avs team that went 5-25-2 over the last 11 weeks of the 2010-11 season.
Gabriel Landeskog increased the lead to 2-0 with a slap shot from the left circle after a beautiful cross-ice pass from Downie.
Downie would later make the game 4-0 putting home the rebound of an Erik Johnson (plus-three on the night,) to score his first goal as an Avs player. At the end of the night, Downie had five shots and two hits on the night to go along with his goal and assist.
Hunwick sealed the game, scoring his first goal since Oct. 19 2010 in Washington (Scott Gomez eat your heart out.) Hunwick got back into the lineup for the first time in seven games, subbing in for the injured Ryan O'Byrne, took a pass from Jones and beat Mason to the low blocker side for the fifth and final goal.
Now the Avs, who didn't have to push the tempo after the second period, go into Detroit tomorrow to face the Red Wings.
Three Stars
1. David Jones- two goals and an assist
2. Steve Downie- first assist and goal as an Av in the same game
3. Semyon Varlamov- 28 saves for his sixth-career shutout
Facepalm of the Game
Colton Gillies needs to score on that chance before David Jones' goal, especially for how precarious the confidence of the Blue Jackets is.
Bang Bang Play of the Game
A lot of players scored great goals tonight but it was the goal by Matt Hunwick that was really sweet, especially for him. Hunwick has had to watch his fair share of hockey and it is great to see his rewarded for him hard work off the ice.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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