A key player starts heating up for the Blue Jackets, as the league’s brightest star shows how dominant he can be. Welcome back to your mid-week Heat Check.
Cam Atkinson, Blue Jackets Winger
The only Blue Jacket with multiple points over the last three games, Cam Atkinson seems to be finally putting it together this season. Tuesday’s loss to the Washington Capitals snapped what was a four-game point streak for Atkinson, highlighted by this goal.
Don't look now, but Cam's heating up.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 4, 2018
He's got eight (!!) shots on goal tonight. It's the second period. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/3tAXe2X8d6
That game against the Islanders – as disappointing as the result was – was great for Atkinson, who notched eight shots on goal and played nearly 20 minutes (19:47). He didn’t make his way onto the score sheet against the Capitals, sure, but he played a staggering 21:06.
In fact, over the last five games, Atkinson’s got a 2-2-4 line with 23 shots on goal, and his ice time has only dipped under 19 minutes once over that span (Feb. 2 against the Sharks: 17:57). He was a breakout player last year and has been snakebitten by bad puck luck and injuries this year, but he may finally be returning to form.
Connor McDavid, Oilers Center
Connor “McJesus” McDavid’s efforts this week have been straight-up divine.
Let’s take another look at that short-side snipe, wherein he completely defies physics.
What is this sorcery, @cmcdavid97? pic.twitter.com/9FZM4PD6wW
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) February 6, 2018
That is the work of a higher power, folks.
McDavid’s last three games have been ridiculous, highlighted of course by that 4-1-5 effort against Tampa Bay. His stat line since last Thursday is an incredible 7-2-9, as the renowned playmaker and last year’s Art Ross Trophy winner has put himself back in the conversation for that award this season.
His 63 points are just three back of Tampa Bay’s star winger Nikita Kucherov, and McDavid has a game in hand. Repeating would be a tall task, but if anyone can do it, it’s Connor McDavid.
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