“Blue Jackets: A Refreshing Spin in the NHL Landscape!”

Sometimes, it’s noticeable when a team starts to get it together. The little details begin to accumulate and the self-assurance is evident.

Players frequently discuss what they need to accomplish to secure victories. We’ve heard similar sentiments for years from athletes across various teams and sports.

However, there’s a definitive difference between fantasy and actuality. This team must feel quite optimistic as they exhibit what we observe. Head coach Dean Evason mentioned it himself. His squad believes they have a chance to win each and every game.

Dean Evason postgame: “But more importantly, they understand that when they enter the dressing room every night for a game, we have an opportunity to win. We have an opportunity to win every single night. That’s what I find exciting for this group.” #CBJ

— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) January 5, 2025

Columbus has been accomplishing quite a bit recently.

Currently holding the second wild-card position in the Eastern Conference and merely one point behind the Boston Bruins for first place, Columbus is the most formidable team in the Metropolitan Division with a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games. They are on a season-high four-game winning streak, having swept the season series against the St. Louis Blues 2-1 on Saturday.

Evason has emphasized ‘team’ from the beginning, and whenever inquired about individual performances, he swiftly redirects the conversation to a team-centric focus. This style of play was fully evident Saturday night. Columbus recorded 23 blocked shots, and Jet Greaves nearly secured his first career shutout before a power-play goal from Colton Parayko interrupted the bid at 19:48.

“It’s a team game, correct?” Evason stated after Saturday’s victory. “Everyone is committed to doing the right things and preventing the puck from entering the net. We have discussed our away record extensively and made a lot of adjustments to play a solid defensive hockey match.”

Before Saturday’s matchup on FanDuel Sports Network, data scientist and hockey analyst Meghan Chayka from Stathletes spoke with Brian Giesenschlag, detailing essential metrics behind the Blue Jackets’ achievements this season.

Data scientist and hockey analyst Meghan Chayka discusses the metrics contributing to the Blue Jackets’ success this season and why they are regarded as “one of the biggest surprises”.

Watch the entire interview in the FanDuel Sports Network app.#CBJ | @MeghanChayka pic.twitter.com/qQpy7k7I3Z

— FanDuel Sports Network Columbus (@FanDuelSN_CBUS) January 12, 2025

“They’re performing excellently under their coach,” Chayka remarked. “There is clearly a significant amount of structure and a strong team commitment. They rank fifth in defensive zone turnovers. They are creating turnovers and successfully recovering the puck.

“Additionally, they rank fourth in defensive puck recoveries. So they are generating turnovers and achieving recoveries. They are regrouping effectively and really pressuring the neutral zone, creating considerable mayhem and scoring numerous goals.”

Chayka also pointed out that several Blue Jackets players are having career years, and the team might have multiple point-per-game athletes for the first time. At present, Zach Werenski (1.12), Kirill Marchenko (1.09), and Sean Monahan (1.00) lead the way.

Last week, Ed Francis talked about the Jackets’ forthcoming schedule. As of the week of January 6, Columbus was just outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins by one point for the last wild-card position.

Columbus simplified things for themselves by sweeping the week, securing victories in Pittsburgh, achieving a home win against the Seattle Kraken, and obtaining a road win in St. Louis. Road victories have been challenging for this team, so acquiring two in one week, especially that elusive win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, was a crucial momentum boost.

Columbus will be facing four teams in the upcoming week that are currently outside the playoff bracket.

The Blue Jackets are experiencing their longest winning streak and the finest stretch of hockey since the 2021-22 season. As Evason noted, there is a belief that they can indeed secure a victory each night they step onto the ice.

Before the season, Columbus’ playoff chances were minimal. Now, according to MoneyPuck, those odds have risen to 9.8%. The potential is high, and the energy is even higher.

Let’s find out what this team is capable of.