On Thursday, the Blue Jackets improved to 22-31-10 with a 4-2 win over the red-hot Edmonton Oilers.
The club has now won three of its last four games and six of its last 10.
Here are three things from Thursday's game:
Terrific Daniil Tarasov
Tarasov was fantastic on Thursday, stopping 29 of 31 shots. After the game, Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent said Tarasov took a puck to the neck during morning skate and had to spend part of the day at the doctor's and had trouble moving his head. However, he told Vincent that he wanted to play.
#CBJ coach Pascal Vincent said goalie Daniil Tarasov took a puck to the neck in morning skate. Had to spend some time at the doctor this afternoon. "And he told us, I want to play that game."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) March 8, 2024
Another sign of the CBJ buy-in Vincent is seeing. "I'm telling you, this team is going
In his last five starts, Tarasov is 3-2-0 with a .929SV%.
Mathieu Olivier Provides A Spark
Olivier had quite the first period, scoring the opening goal at 6:20 and winning a fight against Sam Carrick that fired up the crowd at 9:16.
Bringing the energy, burying the puck.
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) March 8, 2024
Mathieu Olivier makes the most out of a scoring chance in front of the net and gives the @BlueJacketsNHL a 1-0 lead over the Oilers in the first period.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/K774AC9ivz
A less-than-friendly welcome.@BlueJacketsNHL forward Mathieu Olivier dropped the gloves and traded punches with Sam Carrick, who is playing in his first game with the Oilers.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/TO2OtOp4cX
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) March 8, 2024
Olivier is up to 3-4--7 in 35 games this season.
Alex Nylander Stays Hot
With his goal last night, Nylander tied Antoine Vermette's record for most goals in a player's first seven games as a Jacket with five, per stathead.com.
Making himself right at home!
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) March 8, 2024
Alex Nylander scored his fifth goal in seven games since being traded to the @BlueJacketsNHL and gave Columbus a 2-0 lead over the Oilers late in the first period.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/74ROkctCXu
His 5-2--7 through seven games has been a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jackets, and he's certainly making the most of his opportunity. He and Cole Sillinger have formed a dynamic duo that has been exciting to watch recently.
How much longer can he keep this up?
Next Up
The Blue Jackets are back at it on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Ohio when they host the Nashville Predators.
