That was a wild one.
The Columbus Blue Jackets overcame a 3-0 deficit and scored a season-high seven times Thursday night, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-6 in overtime.
Here are three things from a game where goaltending was optional:
Boom Goes The Offense — Again
Take out the second half of a back-to-back last weekend, and the Blue Jackets have scored 18 goals in victories over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and now the Lightning. Those three wins came in a span of six nights; two of them were dominant, and Thursday's came after falling behind 3-0.
Forget about the loss mixed in there.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 22, 2024
In the last seven nights, the #CBJ have defeated Pittsburgh, Boston, and now Tampa Bay.
And in those three wins, have scored 18 goals.
It was the sixth time in just 19 games in which they've tallied a half dozen or more. They did that just eight times last season and only five the season before.
The Blue Jackets are now at 3.42 goals per game, which re-establishes them in the top ten in the NHL in goals per game. Their 32.1 shots per game ranks top five in the league, and in 5-on-5 play, Columbus' 43 expected goals ranks 6th in the NHL.
KJ's Back
After missing 14 games and a little over a month of action, Johnson's return to the lineup against a tough Tampa Bay team could have been pedestrian and no one would have batted an eye.
Instead, Johnson scored two goals — one power play tally and one short-handed strike — to help propel the Blue Jackets to victory. He scored on his only two shots on goal, with a third shot attempt blocked by the Lightning defense.
Johnson not seeing time on the penalty kill in his first game back could have been written off as easing back in, but head coach Dean Evason's trust in the young forward is not circumstantial.
"He earned the right to be out there," said Evason. "He's committed to doing the right things ... he's just a really well-rounded hockey played."
Kents second of the game comes short-handed. #CBJ would briefly go up 6-5, but its now 6-6 in the final three minutes of regulation.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 22, 2024
Third shorty of the week for Jackets. pic.twitter.com/mpxKck7eR3
"I felt pretty comfortable right away," said Johnson, who said that assistant coach (and former Columbus enforcer) Jared Boll had hit him this week to help him adapt to in-game action.
In his return, Johnson played 14:58 — far less than the 18:05, 21:03, and 21:30 he played in his three full games prior to the October 17th injury. When the Blue Jackets hit the ice Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, Johnson is all but a lock to see an increase in minutes as he adjusts back to game speed.
Despite feeling comfortable, the 22-year-old said that there were things to improve on.
"I can be sharper (next game)."
"I Don't Think I've Seen One Like Him ... He's Amazing."
Zach Werenski is a special player, and for a coach that (rightfully) likes to laude team play over individuals, Evason took a moment to point out just what he means to this team.
"I've seen a lot of hockey players," said Evason. "I don't think I've seen one like him. Honestly. He's amazing."
Ive seen a lot of hockey players. I dont think Ive seen one like him. Honestly. Hes amazing.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 22, 2024
Dean Evason with high praise for Zach Werenski, who had a career night with two goals and three assists. #CBJ
Werenski had the game-winning goal in the win, his second time finding the back of the net Thursday. It was also his fifth point of the game, a new career-high.
In the last four games, he has three goals and six assists for a total of nine points. The scoring run puts Werenski in a tie for second among defenders in both goals (six) and points (19).
But it's not his on-ice play that has impressed the new coach.
"He has stepped up in a leadership role. He's taken on a way bigger role within our room, on the bench, and away from the rink," said Evason.
"He's really embraced that."
