Big Josh Anderson. Matt Duchene. Ryan Dzingel.
These three have been together for just a few weeks now, but are showing signs to be one of the more unheralded lines in the Metropolitan Division, if the success they have been finding as of late is to continue. When all three are on the ice together, they've scored five goals and allowed 0, per Left Wing Lock.
That seems like a pretty good recipe going forward.
The "D.A.D." line accounted for three goals last night in a 5-0 victory, including this eventual game-winner by Anderson in the first period. Anderson used his speed to blow by the defense and go five-hole on Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko to notch his 25th goal of the season. It's straight up scary how big and fast Anderson is.
BIGGGGGGG JOSH ANDERSON.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/a8LMrgXYWZ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 25, 2019
Then, in the second period, Anderson found Dzingel for a top-shelf backhander to make the score 3-0 Blue Jackets. It was the Ohio State product's 24th goal this season. Dzingel put it where Mom hides the cookies, giving Demko no chance to make a save.
"I somehow find, you and I... collide."#CBJ pic.twitter.com/X56YamjzeY
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 25, 2019
Anderson wasn't done yet. In the third period, he found the puck on his stick on an odd-man rush and beat Demko again, ripping one off the post and in for his 26th of the 2018-2019 campaign.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one, as Josh Anderson scores his second of the night!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/iRjTc7jT0b
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) March 25, 2019
While Duchene didn't find himself on the scoresheet last night, his presence and skill with puck was still key as he commands attention from opposing defensemen, opening up opportunities for Dzingel and Anderson to be creative with the puck. Though he's only had six points in his 16 games as a Blue Jacket, he is racking up over 18 minutes of ice time and is second only to Brandon Dubinsky amongst centers for face-off win percentage (56.2)
The production from this line has spurred the Blue Jackets to key victories. When this trio gets going, so do the Blue Jackets. It'll be important that the production remains consistent — if it does, the Blue Jackets should find themselves in the playoffs when the regular season is over.
