Copyright yardbarker
Chinakhov, Wood, and Isac Lundestrom add a few different elements that allow the Blue Jackets to use their fourth line more effectively than most other teams can. For that reason, the Blue Jackets have a chance to play with fresher bodies more consistently on the ice, and in the grand scheme of things, it helps the top guys stay at their top level. However, how do they stack up against the rest of the Metropolitan Division? Well, there seems to be a solid top three in the form of the New Jersey Devils, Penguins, and Carolina Hurricanes. All these teams are loaded with talent, and the structure to allow them to fully go into win-now mode. What Gives Columbus an Edge Moving Forward? The reason Columbus has to be viewed as a serious threat is because of their success so far this season in five-on-five play. The Blue Jackets have outscored teams 30-20 while at even strength, which is a massive advantage not only throughout the season, but more specifically down the stretch when the season and games get tighter. When push comes to shove, this Blue Jackets team knows how to win games. At the end of last season, on the brink of the playoffs, they won nine of their final 13 games, including a six-game win streak to end the season. A majority of that same squad from a season ago is skating with this Blue Jackets team this season, and they hope for a different ending to the season, apart from their near miss a season ago.
