The on-ice results for the Columbus Blue Jackets are still pretty far from where we hoped to see them this season. But, as the season continues ahead, the team is starting to see the fruits of their struggles begin to pay off.
In last night's loss to the Boston Bruins, the team rolled out a very young core of centers. Rookies Adam Fantilli (19 years old) and Dmitri Voronkov (23) centered the top two lines. Third year NHLer Cole Sillinger (21) centered the third line. And, you know what? They didn't look bad at all.
Obviously, it was not a strong outcome for the team. They lost the game 4-1, and it was really a snoozer. The Jackets didn't generate much offensively, and the Bruins seemed to pounce - and score - on every mistake the Jackets made.
Maybe last night isn't the best example of their improving play down the middle. Boston has a really strong veteran team, that is extremely well coached and notoriously stingy. Sometimes, their games are outright boring - as was the case last night.
Overall though, since the Jackets have found some consistency in their lines, all three of their young NHL centers are bringing positive results.
Since the lineup has remained pretty consistent with Boone Jenner's injury on December 8th, the club has played 10 games. In that time, Fantilli has 3 goals and 7 points, Voronkov has 2 goals and 6 points; and Cole Sillinger has 3 goals and 5 points.
On top of that, all three have brought attributes that have helped the club in different ways. Fantilli's speed and skill have pushed opposing defenders back. Voronkov's physicality and edginess has given them a nasty matchup option. Sillinger is beginning to emerge as a very good two-way player - even taking on some prime penalty killing minutes.
Seeing all of this in action makes me think we're seeing this team's future lineup take shape. At least, from the center perspective. Even as Jack Roslovic returned from injury, they did not force him into replacing one of these three down the middle. That's telling.
If the next several years has this team rolling out Fantilli-Voronkov-Sillinger as their top three centers, it sure seems like they are heading in a positive direction. This team has never seen the level of skill and depth that this trio's upside could bring.
With the right pieces surrounding them, I can definitely see the makings of contender here. We just have to be patient while the growing pains work themselves out.