The trade deadline is quickly approaching, which means we're almost in the home stretch. While the Jackets are – for the first time in a long time – outside of a playoff spot, this was an encouraging week for them, with two wins and a ton of shots generated.
Let's take a look at who's heating up in Columbus, and who's on fire across the league.
Blue Jackets Winger Oliver Bjorkstrand
The "play Bjorkstrand more" crew is looking pretty smart right now, huh?
Columbus is finally finding the Danish winger some ice time – nearly 16 minutes per game over the last four contests – and it's paying off in spades. His last three games in particular have been very impressive, as he's put up five points (2-3-5) in that span.
His skill is apparent, and he's using his lethal shot and terrific hockey IQ to create scoring chances. Both of his goals this week certainly looked like the work of an elite offensive talent.
Fourteen game goalless drought snapped for Bjorkstrand. Not too shabby. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/FRZeT0WooL
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 11, 2018
The 10th goal of the season for Bjorkstrand is an absolute beauty. The shot just zooms past Halak.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/QcYboqjzzu
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 14, 2018
Folks, that's why they call him the maestro.
Flyers Forward Claude Giroux
To some, last year's 58-point output from Claude Giroux looked like a sign that he was slowing down. Once a 70-plus point dynamo (including a 93-point season in 2011-12), he didn't quite look like himself. Well, the old Giroux is back.
After putting up a 4-4-8 line over his last four games, Giroux is in the midst of perhaps his greatest season yet, with 66 points in 57 games. The Flyers captain is a big part of the reason why the Flyers are in a playoff spot right now.
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