Three Takeaways from the Blue Jackets 5-2 win over the Islanders
One:Columbus played a (mostly) complete game where their battle and compete level remained consistent enough to record a sound victory over the Islanders, 5-2. This was a positive sign after the team checking out for 2nd periods. They battled hard, forechecked relentlessly and got in the greasy areas around the goal. "This is how we have to play", said head coach Todd Richards. "But, the thing that our team has struggled with has been consistency. We have to have a good practice on Monday and a good 1st period on Tuesday (vs Washington)."
Two: How good was the Atkinson/Johansen/Dubinsky line against the NY Islanders? They combined for 3-4-7 and a +/- of +5. They had 10 of the 29 Blue Jackets shots on goal. They were consistent with their speed and forecheck through all three periods. What made this line so good? "I think we were just working off each other", said Cam Atkinson. "We were getting in on the forecheck hard. As soon as we do that, they (NYI) were turning pucks over. We capitalized on our opportunities." Keep this line together.
Three: Todd Richards said before the game that he hoped the team wouldn't hit the "snooze" button on the wake-up call that was a 5 game losing streak. The 2nd period of games have been the Blue Jackets bane. Not tonight. They kept their legs going and not deviating from their game plan. This is a recipe for success for this club. "We didn't deviate from our plan and what we need to do, execution-wise", said the coach. "What we feel we need to do to have success. We stuck with the plan. In the past we got away from it."
Overtime: Brandon Dubinsky has been outspoken during the 5 game slump, echoing head coach Todd Richards after the loss on Thursday evening. He is a player that not only "talks the talk", but also "walks the walk", putting up 1-2-3, +1 tonight against the Isles. Has Columbus finally found their Captain? "That's what leaders do", said Richards about Dubi. "You can talk, it's easy to talk. It's easy to want for things and wish for things. But, it's another thing to go out and do it. Leaders always have to lead by example. I once had a coach say 'the big dogs have to be the big dogs'. He was a big dog tonight."
