The Columbus Blue Jackets are officially loaded and rolling through the last part of their schedule. They took down the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-3, and have continued their rise within the division.
Here are five thoughts about the team's decisive win.
Atkinson Delivers
When a player gets a hat trick, there is normally much more fan fare about it. For whatever reason with Cam Atkinson, it just felt like another night for him. He had the one empty net goal but the other two just felt ho-hum even though they were huge goals that kept the Flyers at bay. It was just another night for Atkinson who has been finding his rhythm late in the season.
No one is going to let Atkinson forget this one. It is a hat trick all the same.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/LLHUva9jkY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 16, 2018
Lord forgive Cam for what he had to do to Mrazek here.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/eCmKPKy26j
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 16, 2018
It looks like Atkinson got a piece of it here. The Blue Jackets are back to having a two-goal lead.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/CbHMgpa6zp
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 15, 2018
Panarin is God
Not going to add too much here. Panarin is the offensive engine that makes this team tick. You can read my feelings on his great season here.
Savard Finds His Way
There may not be a player on the Blue Jackets that is as temperamental as Savard. He plays as well as his defensive partner allows him and he is always on his level. He is a direct reflection of who he plays with but that means that he will need a good partner to make plays happen. Insert Ian Cole into the lineup and now Savard is playing on a level that we haven't seen often from him. He had two assists against the Flyers. The assists were impactful and were a big reason for the goals.
A rejuvenated Savard has revolutionized the defense and it is a large reason for the Blue Jackets winning streak.
Johnson With New Life
After last season where Johnson played well and may have earned himself a new contract, his game this season has left much to be desired. As an upcoming unrestricted free agent, he needed a good season. While paired with Markus Nutivaara, he has seen an improvement in play. He had one assist and he also almost had a 60% CF at even strength. That mark is way above his season mark. If the Blue Jackets can have this player for the stretch run and playoffs, he is setting himself up well for this off-season.
Boone Continues Mini-Tear
The expectations around Boone Jenner are always high. From his rookie season on, the world has been expected of him and that has always put the player and his perception in an awkward spot. Now with six points in nine games, he has played better than he has all season. His goal against the Flyers was the type of goal the team has expected from him.
Jenner does fantastic work with his stick and this slap pass from Johnson isn't too shabby either.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/K2K6Uxv8jn
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 15, 2018
After underperforming all year, Jenner has found his way when they needed him most.
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