What a pleasant surprise.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were able to take down the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-2. Thanks to multi-point nights from Jack Roslovic and Max Domi, the Blue Jackets were able to get out to a 4-0 lead and never relinquished it despite a valiant comeback from the Lightning.
For a team that is unsure of the directive at the trade deadline with all players still in the lineup, this win adds another layer of intrigue.
Here are tonight's three things:
Zac Dalpe's Goal
It feels like Zac Dalpe has been in the Blue Jackets system for as long as I have been alive. He is a staple for the team and it doesn't matter what the assignment is for the veteran forward, he just completes it to the best of his ability.
Things you love to see?
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 6, 2021
This goal from Zac Dalpe. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/YBgzFbM9de
He was rewarded with a mighty fine goal. One where his hustle and determination was what really got it over the line. He was able to sneak behind Victor Hedman and get an edge over the big defenseman. It was also Dalpe's first goal in the NHL since October 20, 2016. Not a bad little reward for his strong play.
Lightning Fodder
It really doesn't make a lot of sense. The Blue Jackets have not had a good season. This is nowhere near the level of play they were hoping for when the season began. Now it appears that there is only one team that they can beat and it just so happens that the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning are that team.
What makes it even more confusing is the fact that they controlled large amounts of the play tonight, leading the shot attempts battle going into the third period. They are taking it to the Lightning and they are coming out on top. It could be that they are playing up to their competition but at the very least it is a preview of what could have been.
Max Domi: Electric
Max Domi is going to be one of the first people to admit that his game hasn't been to the level that he wants it to be. This has been a lost season for many but for Domi who has been trying to establish himself, it has been troubling.
Against the Lightning tonight, though he was able to skate where he needed to, he was able to get the passes off that weren't going tape to tape for most of the season. Thanks to that fine play he was able to put up a goal and an assist with plenty of other chances along the way.
MAXIMUM DOMI ON THE POWER PLAY. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/hFkRpmVcTP
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2021
Domi needs to be better for Columbus in the long term and this is a good first step for him to get his game right.
