COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets scored seven goals against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night, but their 7-2 victory was about more than an outstanding offensive performance. Columbus also showed how playing responsible hockey in its own zone can help create scoring opportunities at the other end of the ice.
Perhaps the best example was the line of Charlie Coyle, Cole Sillinger, and Mathieu Olivier, which was given the assignment of facing Colorado's top line of Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and Artturi Lehkonen.
MacKinnon is one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players, and Colorado entered the game riding a three-game winning streak. Containing that line would have been hard enough on its own, but Columbus managed to do much more than simply limit its impact.
Coyle, Sillinger, and Olivier combined for four goals, five assists, and nine points. Meanwhile, MacKinnon's line finished a combined minus-9. Although MacKinnon recorded two assists, the Blue Jackets' checking line clearly won the overall matchup.
The difference wasn't simply that Columbus finished more of its scoring chances. The Blue Jackets were effective at maintaining their defensive responsibilities while looking for opportunities to attack, preventing Colorado's top forwards from taking over the game.
Sillinger acknowledged that approach afterward, crediting his line's commitment to playing responsibly throughout the ice. Rather than focusing exclusively on generating offense, the three forwards made sure they were taking care of their defensive assignments and then turning that defense into offense.
The results were most noticeable during the second period, when Columbus scored four times in a span of 8:23. Olivier assisted on goals by Jake Christiansen and Sillinger, while Coyle and Valeri Nichushkin added goals of their own. The Blue Jackets continued attacking rather than allowing Colorado to dictate the pace of play.
Columbus also received solid goaltending from Cam Talbot, who stopped 27 of 29 shots. Colorado finished with more shots on goal, but the Blue Jackets were much more effective at turning their opportunities into goals.
Tuesday's victory provides a good example of the approach Rick Bowness wants to see more consistently. The Blue Jackets were responsible defensively, aggressive when opportunities developed, and received contributions from players throughout the lineup.
Seven goals won't be a regular thing, but if the Blue Jackets can continue defending and turning those efforts into scoring chances, they will give themselves a much better opportunity to win consistently.
