You would have to put the Columbus Blue Jackets on the list of pleasant surprises so far in this NHL season.
Goaltending is a big part of that. The Blue Jackets, as a team, have the sixth best save percentage at even strength. So, too, is a youthful but skilled defensive group that is still gaining experience. They entered Monday’s contest on a four-game winning streak, including Sunday’s victory over Washington that had Capitals coach Barry Trotz a little ticked off with Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno.
(By the way, John Tortorella responded in, well, a way you’d expect from Torts.)
Despite a total of 92 shot attempts courtesy a dominant stretch through the second half of the game, per hockeystats.ca, the Blue Jackets’ winning streak came to an end against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday.
Matt Duchene deflected a pass from Erik Johnson to win the game in overtime.
Still, the Blue Jackets were able to gather a single point after a late equalizer from Cam Atkinson with just seven seconds remaining in regulation. That helps them maintain their hold on a Wild Card spot, while keeping the Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins within their sights in the Metropolitan Division.
As noted yesterday on PHT, that’s quite a turnaround compared to last season.
The odds in October indicated John Tortorella would be the first NHL coach fired this season. Things have obviously changed in the last month.