Three takeaways from the Blue Jackets 5-3 victory over the Penguins
One: The Blue Jackets came out from the puck drop with pace against a desperate Penguins team needing the two points going to the victor. While not quite a "track meet", there was fast play up and down the ice. A defensive zone breakdown leaving two players unguarded directly led to the Penguins first goal.
Two: They were a step slower than the Penguins in the middle frame, as Pittsburgh took control of the ice. It would stay that way until the Blue Jackets got their forecheck working and their legs moving later in the period. One thing this team has is resiliency, and they showed it in the final five minutes, scoring two goals and evening the game.
Three: They set a new franchise record at 9 consecutive victories by beating their interstate rivals. Four unanswered goals with Nick Foligno capping off the mayhem with his first career hat trick sealed the deal. Foligno has now bettered his career-best in goals by 12 and shattered his career-best in points by 23.
Overtime: Since March 1, the Blue Jackets have gone 13-4-0. They have also managed to turn their fortunes around at home, winning their last four. With the lineup somewhat stable, they have embraced their identity and shown what they are capable of. These aren't your daddy's Blue Jackets.
