The Columbus Blue Jackets are navigating through a season filled with challenges and highlights that have caught the attention of hockey fans. Current player Mathieu Olivier is amongst those stepping up, showcasing both grit and determination on the ice.
Mathieu Olivier: A Rising Star for the Blue Jackets
Mathieu Olivier has emerged as a key player for the Columbus Blue Jackets. During a recent game against the New York Rangers, Olivier made his presence felt by using his physicality to rally his team. He pressed his teammates to get the puck to the corner, emphasizing a robust gameplay style.
- Olivier’s aggressive play contributed to the team’s crucial equalizer during the match.
- The Blue Jackets ultimately lost in a shootout, with the final score being 2-1.
Coach Dean Evason praised Olivier’s efforts, highlighting that his tenacious performance was instrumental in the team’s comeback during that game.
Challenges Facing Boone Jenner
The Blue Jackets will be without the leadership of Boone Jenner in their upcoming match against the Montreal Canadiens. Jenner’s absence raises concerns, as the nature of his injury remains unclear. Coach Evason mentioned that Jenner’s situation could lead to medium to long-term absences from the lineup.
- Jenner has played only 227 of 346 games since becoming team captain.
- He has accumulated 10 points this season, which includes 3 goals and 7 assists.
Zach Werenski’s Heavy Workload
Zach Werenski has been logging significant ice time this season, averaging 26 minutes and 39 seconds per game. This performance places him second in the NHL, just behind Vancouver Canucks player Quinn Hughes, who averages 27 minutes per game.
- Werenski was last season’s most utilized player in the NHL.
- This year, he has recorded 13 points in 18 games, showcasing consistent performance despite the demanding minutes.
Kent Johnson’s Struggles
Another player under scrutiny is Kent Johnson, selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft. Johnson’s start to this season has been challenging, contrasting sharply with his promising previous season where he scored 57 points.
- This year, he has managed only 5 points over 17 games, with a team-worst plus-minus of -8.
- Following a difficult stretch, Johnson has seen limited ice time in recent games.
Blue Jackets’ Power Play and Penalty Kill Performance
As of the latest updates, the Blue Jackets are struggling with their penalty killing, sitting at 27th in the NHL with a success rate of 72.9%. Furthermore, their power play efficiency is similarly lacking at 16.3%.
- These stats indicate a significant area for improvement.
- However, the team excels when playing five-on-five, currently ranking 7th in the league with a goals-for ratio of 53.25%.
Despite these hurdles, the Blue Jackets are finding ways to remain competitive, thanks to players like Mathieu Olivier stepping into leadership roles. Their performance will be tested in the upcoming match against the Canadiens.
