Back in action on Thursday night, Kent Johnson returned with a bang.
Having missed the previous 14 games due to an upper-body injury, Johnson picked right back up where he left off, scoring two goals in Thursday night's crazy, wild 7-6 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The four-year pro started the season red-hot for the Columbus Blue Jackets with five points (two goals, three assists) in four games.
Then during the 6-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 17, Johnson tripped over teammate James van Riemsdyk, landing awkwardly as it was initially feared he caused harm to the same left shoulder that required torn labrum surgery over the offseason.
Fearing the worst case, fortunately, the worst was avoided as Johnson only had to miss the previous 14 games.
Only missing 14 games underscores Johnson's importance to the Blue Jackets' success. It's never ideal to lose a player of Johnson's caliber, let alone one who got off to a sizzling start.
Looking primed to be the Johnson of 2022-23 when he scored 40 points (16 goals, 24 assists), the Jackets can certainly use what they got from Johnson through the club's first four games of the season.
Before his injury, Johnson was averaging 1.79 goals per 60 and 4.47 points per 60.
CBJ Stats (@BlueJacketStats) November 21, 2024
Both of those rank #1 amongst #CBJ forwards. https://t.co/MXCnrxPnKk
They got that Thursday night.
Rarified Air
Johnson scored a pair of special teams goals — a power-play goal at 1:55 of the second period and a short-handed goal at 10:39 of the third period — to help the Blue Jackets overcome a 3-0 first-period deficit and beat the Lightning 7-6 in overtime.
Kent Johnson SHORTY, 6-5 Jackets!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/FS6viELrs8
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 22, 2024
Kent Johnson finds twine with a terrific power play one-timer!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/wLxyFT7g8L
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) November 22, 2024
Kent Johnson recorded a PPG and SHG in his return to the lineup after missing the last 14 games due to injury. He's the 8th different player (10th instance) in #CBJ history to record one of each in a game. Rick Nash and Tyler Wright accomplished the feat twice.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) November 22, 2024
#CBJ earned a 7-6 OT win after trailing 3-0 11:52 into the game. It's the 7th time in club history - and 3rd time at home - the Jackets won a game after trailing by 3 goals. The last time was 7-6 OTW on 3/21/23 at WSH and last time at home was 5-4 OTW on 4/3/18 vs. DET.
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) November 22, 2024
"It kind of feels like the season opener again," Johnson said before Thursday's game.
Playing on a line with van Riemsdyk and Adam Fantilli on Thursday night, Johnson skated 14:58 with two goals on two shots. He played 49 seconds on the power play and 40 seconds on the penalty kill.
"He's just such a good hockey player," head coach Dean Evason said about Johnson. "You come back after that and you don't turn the puck over. You hang onto it. You have the confidence to make plays.
"He's such a rink rat or whatever you want to call him. He just wants to play hockey. It's not just offensively because he had the puck and he scores a couple goals but all the right things in those other areas as well.
"Was it nice to have him back in our lineup? Absolutely."
Johnson and the Jackets will continue their homestand on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET when they battle the Carolina Hurricanes.
