The Blue Jackets needed to find a way to get two points against an elite team last night. It wasn't easy, but they were able to get the job done thanks to an outstanding performance from goaltender Jet Greaves.
We could end this article right there, because that tells most of the story. But, it doesn't tell all of it.
The Jackets had a much better start last night than they did against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. They brought the energy, but also stayed within their structure and played a pretty poised first period against the Dallas Stars.
Perhaps the best news of the night, was that they were rewarded for their strong play. Zach Werenski scored his 19th goal of the season at 8:48 of the first period, at the end of a long shift in the Stars end.
Zach gets the finish, but this goal happened because all 5 guys were on the same page. Dmitri Voronkov and Danton Heinen both worked hard in front of the net, and retrieved pucks in the corners.
Isac Lundestrom covered up for Werenski when he started roving around the offensive zone. Then, once the Stars were worn out, Damon Severson drew in a check and gave Zach all of the time he needed to break the ice and give his team a 1-0 lead.
Last night, this was all of the offense at Nationwide Arena. The remaining 51:12 of this game would go without any score, and the Jackets earned a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Jet Greaves and Casey DeSmith stole the show.
Both teams got terrific goaltending last night. Casey DeSmith was nearly perfect for the Stars, with the only goal being scored in the game coming on a shot that he never saw.
Jet Greaves was even better. He stopped all 28 shots fired his way, including several from high danger areas. Per MoneyPuck.com, he added 2.77 goals saved above expected to his already impressive resume.
That's the kind of goaltending this team is going to need down the stretch, if they want to get into a playoff spot. It's encouraging news that both goalies are playing better under Rick Bowness.
Part of that reason: the team is playing much better in front of both of them, especially defensively. They're pressuring the puck at the right time, boxing out in front of the net, and generally making life in the CBJ crease easier.
Playoff style hockey, with a win?
This one felt like a playoff type of hockey game right from the opening puck drop, and the Jackets stood right in there against one of the league's true Stanley Cup contenders.
We said after the game that we didn't think this team would have won this kind of game two weeks ago, and that definitely feels true. Against a tough team that came in rested and hungry, this was a solid effort from the Blue Jackets. Hopefully they can keep it moving forward.