Dominating from the start and then slowly but surely letting the Sabres, get back into it, the Blue Jackets came away with a 3-2 win. What is there to take out of a game that should have been won no matter what? More bad than good?
Here are five thoughts about a close call in Buffalo:
Panarin Snipes
When evaluating players and moments, staying as neutral as possible can be a hard proposition. Jaw dropping plays can change an opinion in an instant. Artemi Panarin is one of those players. He makes a play that not many others can make and shows just how talented he is. After receiving a pass from Markus Nutivaara that seemed more like a dump to the neutral zone than an actual pass, Panarin took the puck and had one of the more impressive shots of the Blue Jackets season.
Lob pass.
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 21, 2017
Sweet hands.
Laser shot.
That one's going on the highlight reel. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/SopTOFcuZH
That is just hypnotizing. The Artemi Panarin hype train is just starting to move down the tracks. Are you going to hop on?
Dubois Growing Up
A lot has been expected of Pierre-Luc Dubois and it is for good reason. He is a high lottery pick and a player that the Blue Jackets believe in. But somehow, he keeps meeting expectations and keeps getting thrown into the fire with new challenges. The most recent was playing with Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson on a line. Anderson and Dubois have teamed up in the past couple of games and had great shot differential numbers. What would adding Panarin to the mix do?
Little bit of chaos in front and Dubois capitalizes. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/osABC6CG2V
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 21, 2017
While Dubois scored here. The line and everyone coming into the zone itself set up this goal to make it a 1-0 game. It was positively beautiful how they were able to set it up. They have been at their best when they are swarming the net. There are only five players on the ice but with the way they play it is like the entire team is putting pressure on the Sabres in the crease. Dubois is at the center of it all and he was a big reason why the Blue Jackets were successful.
Where Is The Fourth Line?
The Blue Jackets have been winning plenty of games where their fourth line has been a complete non-factor. That is a far cry from what they had last season. That fourth line was filled with veterans but this group is performing on the ice similarly to how that group did last year.
Schroeder, Hannikainen, and Milano all had 60% CF at even strength and were swarming around the net constantly. But they only had six minutes on the ice, so what gives?
An endgame collapse can come from a player forgetting an assignment or getting tired. The fourth line is there to alleviate that from your defensive stoppers and star players. It is clear that head coach John Tortorella doesn't trust the group but they need to play more to help the team, defensive mistakes be damned.
Savard Bounce Back
After being healthy scratched, players can mope and they can be disappointed. The best of the best bounce back better than ever. David Savard did just that. He ended up with one of the best defensemen shot differentials on the team. It was what he needed after having a rough couple of weeks.
When Savard is aggressive, he can be a very good player. When he lays back and lets the play come to him it isn't in his wheelhouse. An aggressive Savard is exactly what the Blue Jackets need.
Just like that, the David Savard Hat Trick is born. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/IIhgiEcwI1
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) November 21, 2017
Under The Radar Bjorkstrand
Very quietly after picking up another assist, Oliver Bjorkstrand is second on the team in points with 13. He is quick in his movements and is putting players in offensively advantageous places. This was always going to happen for the player but it is happening faster than anticipated.
He is only two points behind Artemi Panarin for the points lead. If you have learned anything about Bjorkstrand, it is to never count him out.
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