Game #47 recap, the new Blue Jackets get the job done against Vancouver

The Blue Jackets hosted the worst team in the NHL last night, and they handled them accordingly. It was a nice change of pace from a team that has struggled with playing down to their competition this year.

The Jackets never really let the Canucks get into this one, despite a somewhat slow start. Vancouver matched up well against them for the first 15-or-so minutes of the game, but they weren't able to quiet the crowd with an early goal.

Elvis Merzlikins stood strong on a few chances, especially after turnovers; and gave his team a chance to work out their game. Eventually, they did, on their way to a big 4-1 win.

Their slow start wasn't due to a lack of energy, so I can't say they needed to find their legs. Instead, it was just about dialing in their game; and under the guidance of Rick Bowness, they did just that.

Charlie Coyle got the scoring started with a nifty power-play goal set up by Kirill Marchenko. Not only from the pass, but also from design. He mentioned in his first intermission interview that it was Marchy who taught him this move:

They finished the period strong, including what I would call one of the best shifts this team has had in recent years. But, the Blue Jackets really took this game over in the second period. They were buzzing, especially for the first 10 minutes or so.

The best part of this is, they were rewarded for their efforts. Marchenko made it a 2-0 game off of a terrific individual effort, winning a faceoff puck battle along the boards and then making a power move before firing a shot past Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen.

That play was against Vancouver's premier defensive defenseman, Marcus Pettersson. It was an impressive effort that earned him a tie for the team lead in goals (17).

That tie for the goal scoring lead did not last for long. As we should fully expect by now, Zach Werenski got involved, this time on the power-play. I don't think there's a goaltender on the planet that is stopping this shot.

The Canucks were able to get one back late in the period, with Brock Boeser scoring a power-play goal to make it a 3-1 game. But, unlike much of this season, the Blue Jackets did not wilt.

Under their new head coach, they came out determined in the third period; and by playing smart hockey, they were able to ice this game off of a 2-on-1 rush goal from Kent Johnson.

This is a different team.

This team has a completely different feel around them. It's very noticeable, even from my living room. There were two moments from last night's game that really stood out to me.

First, after Kent Johnson scored to make this a 4-1 game, the TV broadcast showed him on the bench right as Rick Bowness came up and gave him several pats on the back. KJ 's face looked as if the entire world has been taken off of his shoulders in the last four days.

Second, Elvis Merzlikins' post game interview on the bench said it all:

I don't think there is much else to add here. This is a new team under Rick Bowness, and the sky seems to be the limit. Hopefully, it's not too late in the year for them to make a big push.