COLUMBUS, Ohio – James Wisniewski made his long-awaited Columbus debut after serving an eight-game suspension, and rookie Ryan Johansen scored his first career goal and added an assist to give the Blue Jackets their first win of the season, 4-1 over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.
R.J. Umberger had a goal and an assist, rookie John Moore scored his first NHL goal and Derek MacKenzie had one into an empty net for Columbus, which entered as the only winless club at 0-7-1, the worst start in team history.
Grant Clitsome added a career-best three assists and goalie Steve Mason, who was shaken up on Detroit's first goal and left for a few minutes, rebounded with a sturdy performance and 30 saves.
Wisniewski, who played a game-high 27 minutes, 21 seconds, was suspended for the remainder of the preseason and eight regular-season games for a hit to the head of Minnesota forward Cal Clutterbuck in an exhibition game on Sept. 23.
Darren Helm scored for Detroit, which started 5-0 but dropped its second straight. The Red Wings lost 7-1 on Saturday in Washington, a night after dominating the visiting Blue Jackets 5-2.
Ty Conklin, who finished with 28 saves, has taken both losses for the Red Wings.
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