The Blue Jackets put on one of their best performances of the season last night at Nationwide Arena. From start to finish, they dominated the top team in the Eastern Conference, downing the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1. Here are three things that stood out to us in the big win.
1. The identity line led the way.
I don't think there is any doubt about the third line being this team's identity line. The trio of Cole Sillinger, Charlie Coyle, and Mathieu Olivier have been leaned on heavily by both Rick Bowness and his predecessor Dean Evason this season.
They are the group that sees the top line of the opposition as much as possible, particularly on home ice. But, when the team needs a spark, or a shift in the offensive zone, or any other momentum turning moment; this is the group that finds a way to get it done.
Last night, they were the best line on the ice. Coyle led the way with 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) and was named the first star of the game. Olivier scored the insurance goal, and took on Nic Deslauriers in a spirited fight in the second period.
Those two really stood out, but don't overlook what Sillinger brings to this group, either. He's been very responsible, physical, and he quietly picked up 2 assists last night. This line works because all three of these guys share similar traits. They play heavy two-way hockey.
So, it stands to reason that on any given night where this team has a huge win, this line seems to be the one that carries them to victory. That was the case last night. They posted an 89.2% xGF%, and had a 9-0 shots on goal differential when they were on the ice together.
This line led the way for the Blue Jackets last night. They did it all, including the scoring.
2. Jet Greaves quietly stole the show.
By the end of the game, much of the chatter on social media was about the dominant performance put on by Charlie Coyle. In fact, he's getting some (much deserved) Selke Trophy love, and not just because of his effort last night.
Give Charlie Coyle the Selke, cowards. https://t.co/E4HWeF5vsM
— Dylan Tyrer (@DylanTyrer) March 18, 2026
However, when the final horn sounded, and we looked up at the scoreboard: Jet Greaves had made 26 saves on 27 shots. He earned third star of the game honors behind Coyle and Olivier, but I still don't think he got the recognition he deserved.
Yes, a big part of his standout performance was the fact that the team smothered the Canes in front of him. The Jackets were able to keep most of the shots to the outside, and honestly did an admirable job boxing out their opponents and making life easier.
But, he still has to make the saves. And he did. The only time the red light behind him was lit was on a poorly defended rush play where Andrei Svechnikov was allowed a free lane to the net. Aside from that nifty little backhand goal, Greaves was perfect last night.
3. The Jackets are for real.
We talked yesterday about this being a good opportunity to see just how far the Blue Jackets have progressed. Emphatically, they told the hockey world that they are for real.
They checked all three of the boxes from our keys to success. They got out of their own end quickly, limiting the forecheck of the Canes. They solved Brandon Bussi early and often. And, they scored a couple of power-play goals.
On top of all of that, they defended extremely well all night. Almost everything the Canes tried was shut down quickly and effectively. It didn't matter who was on the ice or what the situation was. The Blue Jackets found an answer and got the job done.
That's the formula for success with this team. They have to stick to their defensive structure and play smart hockey without the puck. Then, they need to take advantage of their scoring chances and make the other team pay with timely goals.
Doing those things in conjunction means that they do not need to spread themselves thin for offense. When this team plays that kind of hockey, they truly can beat any team in the NHL. They showed us that last night.