The Columbus Blue Jackets have shown remarkable play at even strength this season, leading to discussions about their most effective players. Recent analysis highlights four key players who have significantly impacted the team’s performance.
Top Players by Even-Strength Effectiveness
According to a new metric that evaluates goal differentials during even strength play, Kirill Marchenko tops the list of impactful Blue Jackets. This metric compares the number of goals scored while a player is on the ice to goals allowed when they are not. Below are the standout players based on this metric:
- 1. Kirill Marchenko: Impact Rating: 161 (On ice for 37 more goals for than against over 216 games)
- 2. Zach Werenski: Impact Rating: 147
- 3. Dmitri Voronkov: Impact Rating: 145
- 4. Kent Johnson: Impact Rating: 94
Team Performance Insights
The Blue Jackets have a mixed overall performance this season, starting with 40 goals scored and 41 surrendered. However, their even-strength play has been notably better, with 35 goals for and just 29 against. This indicates that the team’s efficiency at even strength is a major strength.
The analysis suggests that while Marchenko, Werenski, Voronkov, and Johnson significantly contribute to the team’s success, it also raises concerns about the depth of the roster. Should injuries occur to any of these key players, the team’s performance could suffer dramatically.
Coaching and Future Considerations
As the season progresses, there are ongoing discussions about potential adjustments needed by the team’s management, particularly in power-play and penalty-kill scenarios. With inconsistent secondary scoring, finding ways to enhance contributions from other players becomes critical.
While individual recognition, such as the Hart Trophy, seems out of reach for the Blue Jackets this season, ongoing evaluation and development of player performance are essential. The current focus remains on effectively leveraging the strengths of their top players while improving the overall team dynamics.
