Fresh off playing 31:26 in Tuesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, it's fun to watch Zach Werenski play his game and display elite skill.
Through the team's first dozen games, Werensik has registered nine points (three goals, six assists) and is a +1. He leads Columbus with 43 shots and, per usual, is among the leaders in time on ice per game (25:23).
Zach Werenski finished a tough -2 but had a hell of a game. Was everywhere 31:26, 10 shot attempts, three takeaways. Would love to know possession time bc it was a lot.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) November 6, 2024
Dean Evason chuckled when asked about how noticeable he was postgame: Well, he played half the game. #CBJ
Werenski is one of this group's primary leaders and core veterans, and he is only 27 years old. He's two games away from No. 500 in his career, which he should set on Sunday at the Anaheim Ducks. He should also score his 100th goal this season, as he sits at 93 career goals.
Werenski missed 12 games last season and still set a personal best with 46 assists — a franchise record for a defenseman in a season — and 57 points.
Since breaking into the league in 2016-17, Werenski is 24th among all defensemen in points per game (0.62) and he's 20th with 311 points.
He also leads Blue Jackets in several of those categories including points (311), goals (93), assists (218), points per game (0.62), and games played (498).
Werenski joined 97.1 The Fan's Hockey & Hounds with Rothman & Ice earlier this week to chat about the team and his team's play against the Sharks.
Hockey & Hounds w/ @ZachWerenski @BlueJacketsNHL @TelhioCU #CBJ 11-6-24 https://t.co/tEd8Geo2b1
— Rothman & Ice (@971RandI) November 6, 2024
"We were better defensively," Werenski said. "We were above the puck. I thought we were playing on our toes and being aggressive. I think we were getting pucks to the net and then retrieving them after shots.
"When we're working hard our talent's really coming through and I think (Tuesday) night was a good example of that. I thought work ethic was the first thing that started and then our talent started to take over after. Obviously couldn't get more than one goal which was unfortunate but if we play like that on most nights, we'll be successful.
Columbus was 0-for-3 on the power play Tuesday and is 15.6% on the season.
"I think for our power play, we just have to keep it simple," Werenski said. "I think on the first one (Tuesday) night we tried to force the seam, just wasn't there. And then we were kind of chasing it the rest of the time. I think later in the game we had some more chances. We were more direct.
"I think at the end of the day, it has to be creative. And I think when we're stagnant and we're standing there, we're just not moving, it's easy for a penalty kill. So for us, we have to have more movement moving forward. Try to confuse the penalty kill a little bit more. And we just got to bear down and put pucks in the net."
The Jackets are in the middle of a three-game losing streak after losses to the Winnipeg Jets, Washington Capitals, and the Sharks, so what's the message from head coach Dean Evason?
"I think last night is different from those two losses over the weekend," Werenski said. "We played hard enough to win. We played well enough to win. I think the message is if we keep doing that we're going to win games.
"It obviously sucks losing and you want the results but a big part of that is the process and I thought our process was right (Tuesday)."
Weresnki and the Blue Jackets battle the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. ET, the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET, and conclude the road trip against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET.
