The Columbus Blue Jackets entered Tuesday's game missing several key players such as Zach Werenski and Patrik Laine. Before the night was over, the roster took another couple of hits as they lost starting goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and defenseman Jake Bean.
They rallied around each other and were able to pull out the win in overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers. This was due to players stepping up and helping to fill the void left by the injured players. One of the players to step up was none other than captain Boone Jenner. He not only had two goals but he was extremely efficient, posting an unreal 40% shooting percentage.
He also contributed in other ways as he had 14 faceoff wins, his third-highest total of the season. And as always, he was a physical presence for a team that desperately needs one, posting four blocked shots and four hits in just over 18 minutes of ice time.
Last year, Jenner was in the midst of a career season that was unfortunately cut short due to an injury. In his first season as a captain, he was on track to set career records for goals, assists, and total points. He stepped up as a leader on and off the ice, as well. With the injury bug hitting this team so hard already, they are going to need players such as Jenner to step up even more.
He has kicked it into another gear lately, putting up six total points, including five goals, in the past five games. He has six goals and four assists so far this season, and he is once again on track to break his career records in goals, assists, and total points.
If the Blue Jackets want to make it through these next several weeks with a halfway decent record, they are going to have to lean on players such as Jenner.
