Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger posted a season-best 2.30 game score in Monday's 5-2 win over the Bruins, per hockeystatcards.com, and also equaled his season high with four shots on goal. It was arguably his best game of his third NHL season and it looks like he's finding his game and playing with more confidence.
"I just wanted to play my game and help the team out any way I can," Sillinger told Bally Sports Ohio after the game. "I feel pretty good so far."
Cole Sillinger joined @BGiesenschlag and @JLGP34 at the desk to break down tonight's win and talk about the positive direction the team is moving in. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/qfUgasjDDX
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) November 28, 2023
Among Blue Jackets forwards, Sillinger has played the third-most on the penalty kill which ranks second in the NHL at 89.2%.
"For me taking on more of a PK role this year," Sillinger said. "I feel good with that. I feel more confident."
Cole Sillinger, hockeystatcards.com
In 23 games this season, Sillinger has recorded one goal and eight assists, which is a huge step forward from the three goals and eight assists in 64 games he posted in 2022-23. He's currently on pace to finish with three goals and 31 points, which is the same amount of points he had as a rookie (15 goals, 16 assists).
It's important to remember that Sillinger, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 Draft, is still just 20 years old, but his play this season has to be a promising sign for the Blue Jackets, who need their former first-round picks to perform if they are going to be a good team in the long term.
