Zach Werenski Recognized as NHL’s Third Star
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been recognized as the NHL’s third star of the week, following a remarkable performance where he scored five goals and provided two assists. This achievement also marked a historic milestone, making him the first defenseman in the franchise’s history to hit back-to-back games with multiple goals. Alongside Werenski, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Ottawa’s Linus Ullmark also earned top honors for their performances this week.
Blue Jackets Season Overview
As the Blue Jackets prepare for the holiday season, they have compiled a record of 15 wins, 15 losses, and 6 overtime losses, capturing a total of 36 points. They are currently positioned 8th in the Metropolitan Division, 16th in the Eastern Conference, and 27th overall in the league. Noteworthy player statistics include Werenski ranking second among defensemen in points with 40 and being tied for first in goals among defensemen with 14. Other contributors include Kirill Marchenko with 27 points and Dmitri Voronkov with 26.
Cleveland Monsters Update
In addition to the NHL updates, the Cleveland Monsters, the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, also provided a brief update as they reached the Christmas break with a record of 12-10-3-1, earning 28 points and sitting sixth in the North Division. Their standout players include Luca Pinelli, who has 19 points, placing him 12th among AHL rookies. Pinelli also leads the team in goals and assists with 8 and 11 respectively.
Team Resurgence and Future Challenges
Reflecting on the journey of the Blue Jackets, fans recall a notable turnaround starting in November, when the team stunned opponents with a series of impressive wins, showcasing what could be a contender for the Stanley Cup. This resurgence in performance, however, comes after many seasons of struggles and setbacks for a franchise often plagued with misfortune.
Yet, amidst discussions about player trades, including Yegor Chinakhov‘s uncertain status after expressing a desire for more ice time, the organization remains focused on team cohesion. His agent noted that while there were no current trade discussions, Chinakhov enjoys being part of the team and aims to contribute more significantly to their success.
Recent Game Highlights
In their first game after the holiday break, the Blue Jackets faced off against the New York Islanders, where they triumphed 4-2 in a match that was filled with action and tension, including a hit that ignited a brief brawl. This victory continues a positive trend as they seek to climb further up the standings and secure a playoff position. Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets are gearing up for challenging encounters against division rivals while aiming to maintain their newly-found momentum heading into the new year.
