Before November 27th's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Blue Jacket Captain Nick Foligno only had one goal through 20 games.
While elite goal-scoring has never been his calling card, any team would want more production out of there captain.
However, it appears the goals are starting to come for the 32 year-old winger.
In the last two games, Foligno has scored three goals, reminding Blue Jacket pundits of his offensive ability and affinity for generating gritty goals. His strong defense has even fed his two-game goal scoring streak, allowing him to pickpocket Evgeni Malkin Friday night for a one-on-one goal against Pittsburgh goalie, Tristan Jarry.
Steal. Sprint. Snipe. Celly! pic.twitter.com/ItSWkL5Uqp
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) November 30, 2019
The two-game tear must be very welcome on a team starving for veteran goals and is great way to end a 17-game goal drought.
Regardless of Foligo's strong performance, the captain chose to praise the team in his post-game comments Friday night after Pittsburgh's defeat.
"I just loved the way everyone played tonight," said Foligno.
He then mentioned that their 7-2 loss in the second game of the season may have provided the needed motivation for the divisional showdown.
"I think we all thought about what happened last game and wanted to rectify it...and I thought every guy stepped up his game tonight and played the right way," Foligno said.
The Blue Jackets captain also emphasized the importance of games against Metropolitan division opponents.
"More importantly (than the win), it's a division rival, (who) we always seem to be fighting tooth-and-nail with," Folgino said.
"It's nice to get a win against a team that we're going to be facing right until the end of the season...we need these points."
Foligno went on to further praise the team's power play that has been on a hot streak itself after the hiring of Paul MacLean.
"Our details (on the power play) were really good. I thought our execution and our even our hunger to score goals (were also good)," he said.
Finally, the captain had nothing but kind words for his hat-trick scoring teammate, Gustav Nyquist.
"I'm happy for him (Nyquist)," Foligno said on Nyquist's three goal performance and role on the team. "He's been a real good player for us...what an addition he's been to the team."
Though Foligno has struggled to score early this season, he appears to be warming up in correlation with several other veterans and the power play. If the Blue Jackets wish to keep their playoff hopes alive, it's crucial for their captain to maintain the high level of play he's exerted as of late.
