COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistent offense through the opening weeks of the season, but Kent Johnson is doing his part to change that. The 24-year-old forward scored again in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Carolina, continuing an impressive start that has made him one of the team's most important and consistant offensive players.
Johnson's power-play goal midway through the third period brought Columbus within one after the Blue Jackets had fallen behind 3-0. Charlie Coyle sent a pass across the crease, and Johnson redirected the puck past Carolina goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov to give the Jackets a chance to comeback.
It was Johnson's seventh goal of the season, giving him 11 points through Columbus's first 11 games. He has now recorded six points over his last three appearances, including three in Tuesday's overtime victory over Philadelphia and two in Saturday's win against Vegas.
Johnson has provided some much-needed production. His ability to finish scoring chances has made him a threat whenever he gets the puck due to his skill and creativity.
His recent performances also show that he can contribute in different ways. Johnson scored twice against Philadelphia, including the overtime winner, after recording two assists against Vegas. Thursday's goal was another example of his ability to make an impact when Columbus needed a score.
Johnson's start offers plenty of excitement. The former fifth overall draft pick is showing the finishing ability and offensive instincts that made him one of the organization's most promising young players.
If the Blue Jackets are going to turn their early-season struggles around, they'll need more players producing at Johnson's level. For now, he is giving Columbus a dependable source of offense when the team needs it.
