(We know, it's just the preseason).
But...
The Columbus Blue Jackets scored four goals in three games this past weekend.
While this isn't the most hopeful sign after the team generally struggled with scoring consistency last season (ranked 16th in the league in goals for), there was a glimmer of hope – and its name is Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Bjorkstrand scored three goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Saturday's 7-3 loss at PPG Paints Arena, and in the fashion in which he shines most: blistering wrist shots.
@OBjorkstrand's preseason hatty!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/BnzdwiKwTR
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 23, 2018
Bjorkstrand has one of the most wicked shots on the team, and the Blue Jackets are looking for him to up his output from the 11 goals he scored last season. With an early look at potential line combinations, it appears as though John Tortorella will give Bjorkstrand a chance in the top six (at least to start the season), but the puck's got to find the net for him to remain there.
Bjorkstrand has been criticized at times, along with teammate Alexander Wennberg, for not letting go of their shots quicker – if they let go of them at all.
But as you can see from the video of his hat trick, Bjorkstrand got the puck and let quick shots rip. Every shot was released within one and a half seconds from when he received the puck on his stick. Seriously, time it yourself.
To be noted: all goals were also scored against Pittsburgh starting goaltender Matt Murray, if the whole preseason stigma was bugging you too much.
This is Bjorkstrand at his best, and it needs to continue for the Blue Jackets this upcoming season to help out on scoring. Those 11 goals in 82 games will need to be much improved upon, and this past weekend was hopefully a taste of change to come.
