I want to start everyone of with this bute:



That piece of wizardry was the game winner in last night's shootout victory. Only thing that would have made that better would have been a #72 in net.

The Central-Division-Leading Columbus Blue Jackets have secured points in the last 6 games (3-0-3). They have tallied 9 out of 12 points over that time. While they find themselves at the top of the division standings, they also have played the most games in the division. Dallas is a single point behind with a 4-0 record (8 points). Of those 6 games, the CBJ have skated extra time in 4 of them.

As a disturbing trend the CBJ had a third period lead in each of the games that they lost (but managed a point for OT/SO). One of the games, vs. FLA, they held the lead until 0:03 of the game. As if forcing overtime in that game wasn't enough, the Panthers took the extra point in that game via shootout.

I'll continue to watch this third period trend, but I'm certain the coaching staff and players have recognized it. Can they take a step forward and overcome this trend?

Tonight (in a back-to-back) the CBJ skate in CHI against the 2-3-3 Blackhawks. The 'Hawks find themselves on a 5-game-point-streak of their own having dropped their last two in extra time at NSH. Their two regulation victories were at home in which they throttled the 'Wings. Neither point streak has to end tonight, but to become a real contender the CBJ need to show that they can handle teams lower than them in the standings.

Laine Watch

It's not going to happen tonight. Apparently, Laine is waiting on a work visa and is still in the Great Blue North. Once he arrives in C-Bus he will have to quarantine before he is allowed to join the team. We are over a week away from his debut.

Good Luck and GO JACKETS! (keep the streak alive)

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