Columbus Blue Jackets: Atkinson Return Should Spark Wennberg, Foligno
The return of Cam Atkinson should give the Columbus Blue Jackets two top lines.
Injuries have certainly set back the Columbus Blue Jackets this season yet they still sit in second in their division. They have missed players for large chunks of time that were expected to be leaders on this team. On Thursday, the Jackets got a shot in the arm when one of those leaders, Cam Atkinson, returned to the lineup.
Alongside of Nick Foligno and Alexander Wennberg, Cam scored the game winning goal late in the third period. Those three all combined to ensure the Jackets would tally a regulation win in the desert.. Atkinson also was on the ice for the opening score in the game early in the third period.
The line of Atkinson – Wennberg – Foligno played the most out of any line according to dobberhockey.com agains the Arizona Coyotes. They totaled 28.2% of time on ice at even strength, more than the PBJ line. They also all are pulling major minutes on the power play.
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At the beginning of the season if you saw this line together, you would immediately assume it was the teams top line. A 35 goal scorer, a guy with 45 assist last season and the captain on the ice at the same time should lead your team. But with the emergence of Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh anderson alongside of Artemi Panarin, the Columbus Blue Jackets have two legitimate number one lines.
Both the PBJ line and the FAW (???) line are balanced offensively and defensively and will command the respect of opposing teams. Both lines have a 30 goal scorer, a winger that can check and play well below the goal line, and a center that can make plays offensively and defensively.
Having two top lines like this creates matchup nightmares for opposing teams. For at least 60% of the game the Jackets should be able to roll out two elite lines.
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This of course is dependent on the Atkinson – Wennberg – Foligno line producing like they did in the first game together against a bad Arizona squad. It’s a great weapon for the Jackets if it continues to work like it did.