Finally.
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2 and it allowed Columbus to keep pace in the Metro Division.
The Blackhawks aren't the same team that won multiple Stanley Cups at this point, but they still have plenty of talented players that can defeat you on any night.
Here are five thoughts on the team's encouraging win:
Bounce Back
The Blue Jackets were down twice by a goal in this game and in past weeks, they would pack it all in. They just hadn't shown the fight necessary of a team that wants to make it in the playoffs.
The first power play goal of the year for Atkinson per @FOXSportsOH. Not a bad time for it to happen.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/RyGM5BxfjP
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 25, 2018
They faced a Blackhawks team that isn't tearing it up, but in the case of the Blue Jackets, they need these baby steps before they can run again. Each game feels like the team has turned a corner. Is this really it?
Whose Last Game Was It?
The trade deadline looms, and the Blue Jackets aren't exactly sellers, but they have plenty of players on expiring deals this off-season. Could this have been the last game for players like defenseman Jack Johnson and forward Matt Calvert?
For a couple of players that have long been with the team, this win is a high note to go out on if they do get moved. So many unknowns during a strange time of the year.
Dubois Does It
Artemi Panarin has carried the Blue Jackets for many nights this year. It was a rare night where another player has stepped up. Center Pierre-Luc Dubois had a two-point night with one goal and one assist. It isn't earth-shattering, but the Blue Jackets are now 4-1-1 when he has a multi-point night.
Dubois makes no mistake on this Panarin pass. What a play in transition. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/jmNS7oMjxk
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 25, 2018
As the team's number one center he is the catalyst that drives this team. As the Blue Jackets try to get their legs underneath them, it is good to see offensive leaders step up when needed. Even if they happen to be a rookie.
What About Bob?
At this point what can be said about Sergei Bobrovsky that hasn't already been said? Bobrovsky faced 33 shots tonight saving 31 of them for a .939 save percentage. That is going to be good enough to win a game almost every single night.
Pinball Bob.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/1RNrjPY2Ah
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) February 25, 2018
The Blue Jackets don't have a semblance of a consistent offense. They're going to need to utilize Bobrovsky all the way until the end of the season. For better or for worse, the team's hopes are on his shoulders.
Penalty Kill Improvements
Although the Blue Jackets lost to the Philadelphia Flyers on a dubious power-play goal against, the team's penalty kill overall has seen a significant improvement. The Blackhawks tonight had three opportunities and didn't score on the man advantage once. Meanwhile, on the other side, the Blue Jackets scored a power-play goal. Anytime you can come out ahead in this situation you'll take it.
It is another indication that the hockey gods (also known as percentages normalizing) are beginning to look at the Blue Jackets favorably.
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