Dubinsky quiet on stat sheet, but still effective
His stats aren’t quite what Brandon Dubinsky would prefer, but that doesn’t mean the Blue Jackets forward is struggling.
It’s the opposite. The 32-year old had three goals, six assists and nine points going into the Blue Jackets’ homestand finale against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night, but he has contributed in other ways.
“It’s not like he’s full of stats when you pick up a piece of paper … but he’s done a lot of good things for us,” coach John Tortorella said. “He’s been really good on the face-offs, both circles, has killed penalties. … He’s been quietly going along (with) his business and helping us try to get some traction on how we’re supposed to play.”
Dubinsky, who has a $5.85 million salary-cap hit through the 202021 season, played just 62 games last season because of injuries and a personal issue that prompted his early departure from a trip. He finished with six goals and 10 assists.
After training hard in the summer, Dubinaky reported to training camp in great shape and has become a key cog again. After returning from an oblique strain that cost him 10 games, he has been used as a face-off specialist on the left wing of the third line and is centering an effective fourth line with Markus Hannikainen and Riley Nash.
“I’m getting used in a lot of different situations and getting a fair shake with the ice time and stuff like that, so I’m just trying to continue to push and do my part,“Dubinsky said. “I’d like to contribute a few more points out there, but I’ve got to continue to focus on staying the course and playing the right way, knowing those will come. I’ve still got more to give.”
Duclair stays in
After playing a strong game Monday in a 1-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Anthony Duclair remained in the lineup Thursday — even after Artemi Panarin returned from a lowerbody injury.
“He was all over the scoring-chance sheet (against Vegas),” Tortorella said. “I know he’s going to be all over that sheet. It’s about keeping both teams in it, too. He can keep our team in it and he can keep the other team in it if he doesn’t play the right way — and that’s what has to be cured, or he won’t play.”
Captain Grinch
A lot of people watched the Pittsburgh Penguins’ nationally televised 2-1 victory Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, which included a fight and some heated moments between the Jackets’ biggest rivals in the Metropolitan Division.
Captain Nick Foligno, however, didn’t watch.
“I took my kids to ‘The Grinch,’ ” he said. “A little more important.”
Newbie in goal
The Blue Jackets faced rookie goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who had played in one NHL game for the Devils before making his first career start on Thursday.
Blackwood, 22, had a 2.69 goals-against average and .911 save percentage in 15 games with Binghamton of the American Hockey League.