Among the things you're looking for from the Columbus Blue Jackets this season is strong play from its core.
Kent Johnson was a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' season opener one year ago when they played the Philadelphia Flyers. He found himself in Cleveland by November before being recalled by Columbus, and then a labrum injury ended his season in February.
Turning the page to this season, No. 91 is looking to do just that. And so far, it seems to be paying dividends.
After a strong training camp that's drawn rave reviews from new head coach Dean Evason and an exhibition slate that saw him score six points (two goals, four assists) in four games, the strong play and point production carried over into Thursday's season opener at the Minnesota Wild.
At 2:00 of the second period, Johnson's tally tied the game at 1-1. Cole Sillinger and Damon Severson picked up assists on the play.
"What a shot" indeed, @MearsyNHL.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) October 11, 2024
Kent Johnson's first of the year comes in Game 1. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/rVNn6uUBiI
Johnson added his second point of the game at 17:06 of the third period when Zach Werenski scored on the power play to pull the Jackets within one goal, making it a 3-2 game. Yegor Chinakhov added an assist as well.
Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets (1) pic.twitter.com/4eVwPd5IFm
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) October 11, 2024
"It always feels good when you're playing your game and feeling good," Johnson said after Thursday's loss. For the game, he played 18:05 and was one of four players with at least four shots on goal –– Sean Monahan and Jake Christiansen each had four while Zach Werenski had seven –– and Johnson had 1:58 ice time on the power play and 0:54 on the penalty kill.
"Credit to the boys, they're doing a great job finding me," Johnson said.
Beyond what showed up on the scoreboard during preseason and in training camp, is it what Johnson worked on over the summer that's paying off now?
"Yeah, I think it's different system, too, where I could go in the O-zone," Johnson said. "I think I'm finding my spots I want to get a little bit better and try to really make it a focus. Like I said the (defense) and Cole (Sillinger) is my center, he's getting me the puck a lot, so it's great," Johnson said.
Evason liked what he saw from Johnson.
"Skating ability is just out of this world, obviously," Evason said. "He's getting up and down the ice very confident. He's playing extremely well."
The Blue Jackets will need more of the same from Johnson and the club as a whole as they play the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday night.
