The Columbus Blue Jackets are heating up at just the right time. Their 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on the road marked their fourth straight victory-a streak that’s starting to feel more like a turning point than a fluke.
With a new head coach behind the bench and some key players stepping up, the Jackets are showing signs of a team finding its identity. Let’s break down three major takeaways from last night’s win in Chicago.
1. Elvis Merzlikins Stands Tall-And Stays Steady
For much of this season, goaltending in Columbus has been a rollercoaster-one that’s made more than a few fans queasy. Elvis Merzlikins, in particular, has had his share of ups and downs, often delivering solid stretches of play only to let in that one goal that shifts momentum the other way.
But last night? That goal never came.
The Blue Jackets jumped out to an early lead, only to have it erased with 2.7 seconds left in the first period. That’s the kind of gut punch that’s derailed this team before.
And when they responded with two quick goals to open the second, the concern wasn’t whether they could score-it was whether they could hold on. After all, this is a team that’s blown more multi-goal leads than they’d care to admit.
But Merzlikins didn’t blink. Despite the defense giving up far too many clean looks and high-danger chances-especially as the Blackhawks pushed late-he held the line.
No leaky goal. No lapse in focus.
Just timely saves and a calm presence in net.
Since Rick Bowness took over behind the bench, Merzlikins has posted a 4-1-0 record, a .901 save percentage, and allowed just 11 goals. That lone loss?
He only played the first period. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
And for a team trying to build confidence from the crease out, that’s a big deal. Elvis might just be finding his rhythm again.
2. Charlie Coyle: Hat Trick Hero and Defensive Anchor
Charlie Coyle didn’t just fill the stat sheet last night-he took over the game. The veteran center notched a hat trick and an assist, leading the way offensively while also putting in a shift on the defensive side of the puck. It wasn’t just the goals, either-though they came in impressive fashion: a power-play rebound, a sharp wrister off a turnover, and a dagger into the empty net.
But his assist might’ve been the prettiest play of the night. Coyle found Mathieu Olivier wide open in the high slot and delivered a pinpoint pass for a one-timer that made it 3-1. That kind of vision and execution is what separates a good night from a great one.
Coyle finished with six shots on goal, a hit, and a dominant 65% win rate in the faceoff circle. And his impact went beyond the box score. His line not only drove play at 5-on-5, but they also kept Connor Bedard’s line in check-limiting them to just two shots on goal in over eight minutes of even-strength ice time.
Head coach Rick Bowness summed it up perfectly postgame: “He has those goals, but did you see the job he did defensively? That’s just as important. That helps us win the game.”
If Coyle’s playing like this, the Blue Jackets aren’t just deeper-they’re dangerous. And with the Olympic break looming, GM Don Waddell’s top priority should be clear: get Coyle signed to an extension. This is the kind of player you build around.
3. Defensive Zone Still a Work in Progress
Now, let’s not get too carried away. Four straight wins are great, but this team still has some glaring issues to clean up-especially in their own zone. The Jackets gave up more than a few high-quality chances last night, and the Blackhawks’ power play in the third period nearly turned this one into a nail-biter.
The structure in front of Merzlikins remains shaky. Too many missed assignments, too many open looks, and not enough puck support. The Bedard line found space far too easily, and if not for some timely shot blocks and key saves, this game might’ve had a different ending.
That’s the next big challenge for Bowness-tightening up the defensive zone coverage that’s been a persistent issue. The Olympic break will give the coaching staff some valuable practice time, and it’s going to be crucial that they use it to clean up the mess left behind from earlier in the season.
The good news? The Jackets have three more games before the break, including a tough one tonight in St.
Louis. If they can grab four points from these final matchups, they’ll head into the pause with momentum-and a real shot at making some noise down the stretch.
The Jackets are starting to look like a team that believes in itself again. With Merzlikins finding his form, Coyle driving play on both ends of the ice, and a coaching staff that’s clearly pushing the right buttons, there’s reason for optimism in Columbus. They’re not a finished product yet-but for the first time in a while, they look like a team worth watching.