In his first season with the team, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois has impressed and made a significant mark on the team. As a rookie, the expectations weren't there for him but he still made it onto the first line.
His linemate for most of the season has been Artemi Panarin. Panarin was acquired this past season and it wasn't entirely clear whether or not he would integrate well with the team. Now leading the team in points, Panarin has made his mark, he has also begun to rub off on the rookie Dubois.
"He wins 90 percent of his battles," said Dubois about Panarin. "So, to see a guy work like that, I’m a bit bigger and there’s no reason to lose battles if he doesn’t lose them.”
While the production of Dubois has stalled out, for now, the chance to ride shotgun with Panarin isn't being taken for granted. He sees that in-game or in practice, Panarin always brings it.
“It’s fun for me," said Dubois. "Because I look at it, I see it and it’s funny, but it’s not fun for the (defensemen). You can ask any of them. They probably don’t like it.”
Currently, on a six-game pointless streak, Dubois is hitting the wall many rookies hit. Lines will come and go, Dubois will skate with different players. The expectations weren't high for Dubois and he has smashed through all barriers the media has placed on him. He owes a lot of that to Panarin who has pushed him higher in the lineup.
Now it is time for Dubois to take on the heavy lifting and push the team during the stretch run.
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