How badly did they need Sunday's win?
The Blue Jackets collectively exhaled – but only for a moment – as they traveled back to Columbus from northern California. They were able to scrape two points out of a three-game trip out west, just enough to stay in playoff position for another day (or two) before a week of games at Nationwide Arena.
Seeing how they've not taken advantage of opportunities yet this season, can they finally put their stake in the ground? They'll play Vegas, Colorado and Detroit on home ice this week over a four-day span; that's two non-conference opponents and a conference opponent outside of the playoff picture. Ideally, they win all three games and put themselves in a good position entering the weekend.
But "ideal" hasn't exactly been the theme of their season.
Even with a 3-0 lead on Sunday, you just knew the game was far from over. As the Blue Jackets fumbled a couple of chances to make it 4-0, it became even more clear: the Sharks would have their say in the game because the Jackets weren't able to put it away. Yeah, they won, but it's a Herculean task to get games to the finish line.
Which...brings us to the theme of the week. The stars.
Artemi Panarin has been fantastic. He's taken over the team lead in goals (20) and is consistently the most dangerous Columbus skater. Pierre-Luc Dubois isn't a star yet, but he's played like one on many occasions. Sergei Bobrovsky is doing his part, as is Seth Jones on defense.
Who else can they count on?
Cam Atkinson is finding chances but having a hard time burying them. Nick Foligno has 14 goals and scored Sunday in San Jose. Boone Jenner is struggling. As is Brandon Dubinsky. Add a few others to that list, too. It's forced the hand of head coach John Tortorella, who elevated Oliver Bjorkstrand and Sonny Milano into the top six against the Sharks and it worked out. The kids were flying. They played hard, and they brought offense to the table.
Think about what could happen if Atkinson starts scoring, or if Jenner pots a couple here and there? It's a whole different ballgame for the Blue Jackets.
Panarin, Dubois, Bobrovsky and co. can only take them so far. They need one or two of the veterans to snap out of a season-long funk and find the net down the stretch. Is it a lot to ask? Based on what's come before, yes...but stranger things have happened with 15 or so games to play.
YOU SHOULD BE READING
- Speaking of Panarin, our Paul Berthelot took a dive into how he scores his goals. This is a fascinating piece.
- In this week's "What We Learned," the west coast wasn't necessarily the best coast for the Blue Jackets.
- Dan Dukart writes on Oliver Bjorkstrand and his suddenly-rising stock with John Tortorella.
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