The Blue Jackets are, shall we say, unpredictable.
Mixed in with clunkers (see, Friday's 4-0 loss to the New York Rangers) are impressive outings like their 4-1 win over the Dallas Stars.
They've been a far better home team in the early going, with a 4-1-0 record at Nationwide Arena to pair with a 1-2-0 record on the road. Some nights, they look like the team they've envisioned themselves to be: a young, energetic and hard-skating group that can make opponents uncomfortable with their speed.
Other nights, they're almost unwatchable.
Sunday night at Prudential Center, though, was something we haven't yet seen from Brad Larsen's team: they were on the ropes in the second period and found a way to get the job done.
BOUNCE-BACK THIRD
Watching the second period, you'd have thought the Blue Jackets were cruising to a second straight loss as they quickly lost their grip on the game.
After Andreas Johnsson's opening goal, Columbus was the better team for the bulk of the first period – but the middle frame showed some bad habits rearing their head.
Dougie Hamilton smashin pumpkins and pucks. pic.twitter.com/nLaSflTIcz
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 31, 2021
This Dougie Hamilton goal in particular felt like a turning point. The Blue Jackets probably need a save from Joonas Korpisalo here, but the trouble was mounting well beforehand. They turned pucks over, couldn't exit their zone cleanly, and lost puck battles to get out of trouble.
Getting to the third period down only one goal felt like a win. Then, Boone Jenner made his mark on the game with just under six minutes to play. A brutal turnover led to the Blue Jackets' captain barging into the slot area, ripping a high shot over Scott Wedgewood (who didn't play this well) and bringing Columbus level, 3-3.
It was the lift the Blue Jackets needed, as they'd have to kill off a lengthy 5-on-3 late in regulation as well. A little energy can go a long way and the third period saw a better effort.
THE MAGIC (FINALLY) HAPPENS
The Blue Jackets have been waiting for the Jake Voracek-Patrik Laine connection to click at 5-on-5. It felt like a matter of time, right? These are two players who are simply too talented to not make it work.
Voracek's steal and delay after entering the offensive zone was well-timed; it gave Laine just enough time to open up in the far circle and unleash a shot that not many players can.
This is the kind of connection the Blue Jackets have needed, especially as they struggle to score 5-on-5 goals. They got two of them in Sunday's win, and both were important goals. Laine gave Columbus a 2-1 lead in the first period and Jenner's late goal helped secure a point before heading to overtime and the shootout.
KORPI'S ON THE BOARD
Elvis Merzlikins had started five of the Blue Jackets' first seven games, going 4-1-0 with gaudy numbers that give any team a fighting chance to win.
Korpisalo hasn't had it as easy, dropping a decision in Detroit and then at home to the Carolina Hurricanes. This was his first start in more than a week, and probably his best performance to date.
The shootout was his moment on Sunday. He stopped all three Devils shooters and made it look easy, patiently waiting for a trio of casual stops before Voracek sealed the deal in the bottom of the third round. For a team that says it wants both goaltenders to be part of its success, they needed to get Korpisalo going.
