The Columbus Blue Jackets have not had a great season this year. But Friday night provided something to get excited about, thanks to promising forward Kent Johnson.

Johnson scored a “Michigan” goal against the New York Islanders. The Blue Jackets took the lead thanks to the goal, going on to win 5-4 in overtime.

The goal sent NHL Twitter into a frenzy Friday night. Many hockey fans, and even the Blue Jackets mascot, pointed out the fact that the first Michigan goal was scored on this day 27 years ago.

https://twitter.com/doctorbguy/status/1639429460301586433

Some marveled at how such a goal could be pulled off. And others praised Johnson himself, who played collegiately at the University of Michigan.

Related Columbus Blue Jackets NewsArticle continues below
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) during a stop in play against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena.
Avalanche’s Cale Makar joins Quinn Hughes as Norris Trophy finalist
Islanders Blue Jackets, Islanders Blue Jackets prediction, Islanders Blue Jackets pick, Islanders Blue Jackets odds, nhl odds
Islanders vs. Blue Jackets prediction, odds, pick – 4/17/2025
Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the second period at Capital One Arena.
Blue Jackets’ Adam Fantilli explains emotional meaning behind goal vs. Flyers

Even a few Islanders fans tipped their caps to Johnson, admitting they couldn't be mad at the goal.

https://twitter.com/plasticpager/status/1639428553937915906

Adding to the layers behind the goal, Johnson has pulled off the Michigan at every level of hockey he's played except one. The only level he did not score a Michigan was in college while playing for Michigan.

The original Michigan goal came in 1996, scored by Mike Legg. He pulled the feat off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He also revealed he received threats from opponents over the move.

“I had my life threatened. I had a bounty on my head,” Legg said. “At the start of games, guys would come up to me and say, ‘If you’re going to try that tonight, we are bench-clearing-brawling you. Like, we will jump you.’ I’m like, ‘Oh okay, that’s nice to know.'”

The Blue Jackets are in the thick of the Connor Bedard sweepstakes and have a great chance of landing the star prospect in the 2023 NHL Draft. Columbus sits second last in the NHL after winning Friday.