The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Vegas Golden Knights, 1-0. It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't a thorough butt-kicking, it was enough to squeak by. That is all you ever need in this league; it just needs to happen on a consistent basis.
The Golden Knights weren't pushovers by any stretch and made it a game late in the third as they continued to make inroads. It was just too little, too late.
Here are your three things from the Blue Jackets' sensational win:
Bob Was The Bob
Twenty-eight shots and 28 stops for Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. It was a thorough game from him and a game that was never out of reach. It was vintage Bobrovsky. He played within himself, and because of that, he got a shutout to boot.
The Blue Jackets are going to need Bobrovsky if they're going to get anywhere come playoff time. It is tough to decipher which Bobrovsky will show up night in and night out. Getting games like this though ensures that the old Bobrovsky is in there, you just need to pry him out.
Crown Duclair
Throwing Anthony Duclair into the fire after it came out that Artemi Panarin was going to miss the game due to injury is one of the best ways to handle the player. Don't think at all, just go out there and play.
Duclair's speed was a problem all night long for the Golden Knights, and it put the visiting team in a bad position all night.
With a 51.7 CF% at even strength, he was on the right side of the shot share as well. He isn't going to get an opportunity to play with the first line every night, but if he comes out firing like that, any line he is one will immediately become valuable.
Figuring Out Zach Werenski
There is something wrong with Zach Werenski, and it isn't immediately clear what is ailing him. Last season was his shoulder, but this year he doesn't have any excuses. Sure, he was demoted and his ice time has dwindled. Where do they put him though? He isn't dominating the shot share like he once was and it looks like any other defensive partner can't handle him outside Seth Jones.
Werenski can do it all, and that may be the root of the problem. He can make any pass and make any shot. They shouldn't try to make him do it all. He needs to simplify and allow himself to make the easy play. It is simple enough advice. He doesn't need to be a hero each time he is on the ice, even if fans want him to be.
