In a 4-3 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Blue Jackets did just enough to win the matinee as they inch closer to the Christmas break. It certainly wasn't pretty, but the Blue Jackets will take the two points.
One might say it was a Gritty win. https://t.co/qwUDACAxi9
— Sean's Sports Account (@McSports3) December 22, 2018
The Blue Jackets handed Flyers goalie prospect Carter Hart his first career loss in three starts. Strong goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky – especially down the stretch – and a great effort from the top line of Pierre-Luc Dubois (three assists), Cam Atkinson (two goals), and Artemi Panarin (one goal, two assists) was the difference in the game.
Here are the three things that stand out from the big win.
Vintage Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky hasn't stolen many games this season for the Blue Jackets, but this one probably qualifies. Against his former team, he stopped 34 of 37 and frankly was left out to dry on many chances. He's now 5-1-1 in his last seven games and was the absolute difference-maker in a game the Blue Jackets could have easily lost. His last five games by save percentage: .919, .967, 1.000, .909, and .967. Yes, please.
Death, taxes, Sergei Bobrovsky beating the Flyers. https://t.co/p4XQwhFDjT
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2018
Dominant Dubois
Pierre-Luc Dubois was better than great in the win. He had three assists and a team-high five hits, as he helped his line contributed a combined eight points. What's even more absurd is that Dubois wasn't credited (correctly) for what would have been a fourth assist on Atkinson's second goal of the game, though he started the play at the blue line and would have been the "third assist," if you will.
Just so many fun things to watch. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/BQPsUegMpn
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2018
Dubois now has 21 points in his last 19 games (7-14-21). So much for a sophomore slump.
.@18Dubois with his 1st career 3-assist game this afternoon. Its his 3rd 3-point game of the season and 5th of his #NHL career. #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) December 22, 2018
Atkinson Is On Fire
Cam Atkinson cannot stop scoring goals. He potted his 21st and 22nd goals of the season, and is now on pace to break 50 (!) goals on the year. Rick Nash holds the franchise record with 41 goals in a season, and barring injury, it would take a cold streak from hell (go with it) for Atkinson to not break that record this season. His 35 goals from 2016-17 rank fourth all-time on the franchise single-season record.
Second time's the charm.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/qAbwC4VNWs
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) December 22, 2018
Atkinson played over 5:00 of special teams in the win, and he's clearly a go-to guy for John Tortorella. But more than that, as our own Rob Mixer said, it's time to talk about Atkinson as one of the top goal scorers in the NHL.
22 goals in 34 games for Cam Atkinson. It's time we acknowledge that he's just really god damn good and one of the best goal scorers in the NHL. #CBJ
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) December 22, 2018
