One: For a club that touts their identity as a "hard-working" team, Columbus was outworked by New Jersey. Maybe this was just some flakes of rust on their game after the Olympic break. They had better hope that's the case.
Two: For a team that is known to clog the neutral zone, New Jersey was positively relentless on the forecheck. Columbus was simply a step slow to start the game and the Devils took full advantage of that fact, scoring three goals before the halfway point of the first period. The Blue Jackets have to tighten up, and fast.
Three: Welcome back. In his return to the lineup after missing 22 games with a broken collarbone, Marian Gaborik started the night on the fourth line. He was quickly elevated as Todd Richards juggled his lines to find some offense. He ended the night with a goal. With the trade deadline merely six days hence, it remains to be seen whether Columbus will keep him or trade him.
