Jackets’ top line on points-scoring tear
It wasn’t that long ago that Cam Akinson was producing points at an almost unheardof clip for the Blue Jackets. Starting Nov. 10 and continuing through Dec. 9, the first-line forward recorded at least one point in 12 straight games, while scoring 13 goals and adding seven assists as the Jackets went 7-4-1.
Tuesday night against New Jersey, he scored just 45 seconds into the game to give him a goal in three straight games. This time, though, he’s not the only Jackets player on such a tear. His linemates, Artemi Panarin and Pierre-luc Dubois, also extended personal point streaks in the 4-1 win against the Devils.
Panarin has scored in four straight games, while Dubois has at least one assist in a career-high four straight games.
“It feels good,” Atkinson said of seeing his linemates producing. “We’re not satisfied with scoring one goal. If we get one we try to get two, and if we get two we try to get three. We’ve been good at that as of late, and have to continue.”
Panarin has five goals and three multipoint performances during the four-game stretch, and he has scored nine goals in the last 12 games. Coach John Tortorella said Panarin, whose contract is up at the end of the season, has not played differently while facing an uncertain future with the franchise.
“I just think he enjoys playing, and I believe him: I don’t think he knows what he’s going to do,” Tortorella said. “But we can’t do anything about that. We’re just going to keep going about our business.”
Killing it
The penalty killing units for the Blue Jackets continue to operate at a high level. After stopping both New Jersey power plays, the Blue Jackets have now killed off 37 of the last 40 opponent advantages, including 16 straight.
The last power-play goal scored against the Jackets came last year — on Dec. 31.
“I think there’s just more confidence,” Tortorella said. “We’ve won more face-offs. I think we’re aggressive moving as a unit when we have chances to be aggressive.”
They also have gotten some clutch goaltending, such as when Joonas Korpisalo came up with a big save early in the second period to keep the lead at 3-0 a moment before Dubois scored to push it out of reach.
“Those, you realize afterward that was a bigger save than usual,” Korpisalo said. “Sometimes you have to make those saves.”