Blue Jackets Blank Blackhawks, Enter Olympic Break on a Seven-Game Tear
The Columbus Blue Jackets couldn’t have scripted a better send-off into the Olympic break. In a commanding 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, they extended their win streak to seven games and continued their climb up the Eastern Conference standings. With the victory, they now sit just two points behind the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division, and only four back of the Boston Bruins for the final wild card spot.
Momentum is on their side - and if they can keep this pace after the break, Columbus could be a serious player in the postseason race.
But before we look too far ahead, let’s take a closer look at what’s clicking for the Blue Jackets and what the team had to say after last night’s dominant performance.
Rick Bowness: “That’s How We Want to Play”
Since stepping behind the bench, Head Coach Rick Bowness has emphasized simplicity, structure, and accountability - and the results are starting to show.
“That’s how we want to play,” Bowness said after the game, clearly pleased with the team’s consistency and execution. He pointed to the group’s composure, especially late in the third period when Chicago pulled the goalie for a 6-on-5 push.
Columbus didn’t flinch. Instead, they executed the exact scenario they had drilled in practice just the day before - focusing on smart positioning, puck support, and staying above the puck.
Bowness kept the message clear: apply pressure, manage the tempo, and don’t overcomplicate things. That approach has brought out the best in this group.
He singled out Charlie Coyle, calling him a “coach’s dream” thanks to his relentless effort and leadership. And he had high praise for goaltender Jet Greaves, who turned aside all 21 shots he faced. “Outstanding,” Bowness said of the young netminder’s performance.
Another standout? Rookie Adam Fantilli, who earned penalty-kill time thanks to his dominance in the faceoff circle. According to Bowness, Fantilli “won every one of them,” which earned him more ice time as the game went on.
Charlie Coyle: “We’re Playing Our Best Hockey”
Coyle, who reached the 1,000-game milestone in the NHL, acknowledged the emotional weight of the day - roster changes, a new voice behind the bench - but said the win helped reset the group.
“We’re playing our best hockey,” he said, adding that stringing together wins at this point in the season is “huge” for their playoff hopes. Coyle credited Bowness’ constant communication for helping the team quickly adjust to a new system and mindset.
Even with the success, Coyle emphasized that the team isn’t satisfied. “We’re still looking for ways to clean up our game,” he said - and that’s a sign of a team that believes it hasn’t hit its ceiling yet.
As for the Olympic break, Coyle stressed the importance of rest and recovery. “Get the body right,” he said, while also keeping that competitive edge sharp for when they return to action.
He also took a moment to reflect on the post-game ceremony, calling the tribute to teammates and the display of national flags “pretty special.” And hitting the 1,000-game mark? “A lot more fun when you can follow it up with two points.”
Jet Greaves: “Shutouts Are a Team Stat”
Greaves has quickly become one of the most reliable stories in the Blue Jackets’ recent surge. But true to form, the 21-save shutout didn’t have him beating his chest.
“Shutouts are a team stat,” he said, giving full credit to the defense in front of him. He pointed out how well his teammates cleared traffic and limited second-chance opportunities - the kind of dirty-area plays that can turn a game.
Greaves also spoke about the locker room vibe since the coaching change. “Everyone’s pulling in the same direction,” he said, noting that the group feels more connected and focused.
His confidence? It’s not loud - but it’s steady. Greaves credited his preparation and the heavy workload he handled in the AHL for giving him the mental tools to succeed at the NHL level.
He also gave a nod to Zach Werenski’s impact on the blue line, calling the veteran defenseman’s presence “elite” and saying it makes reads easier and play more predictable.
Heading into the break on a seven-game heater? “Really positive for the group,” he said.
Zach Werenski: “We’re on an Absolute Heater”
Werenski is playing like a man on a mission. With 20 goals already this season, he became the first defenseman to hit that mark before an Olympic break - but he wasn’t interested in talking about milestones.
Instead, he focused on the team’s rhythm. “We’re on an absolute heater,” he said, and credited the turnaround to the entire group buying in and playing with consistency under Bowness.
Since the coaching change on January 12, Werenski says his game has reached “a new level,” and it shows. He’s playing with confidence, skating with purpose, and anchoring a defensive unit that’s finally clicking.
Looking ahead to the Winter Olympics in Milan, Werenski is excited to represent Team USA and carry this momentum into international play. But the focus remains on the Jackets' playoff push.
He also echoed Greaves’ importance, saying that having a reliable netminder behind them allows the defense to play more aggressively and with confidence.
What’s Next
The Blue Jackets now head into the Olympic break riding a wave of confidence, sitting at 29-20-7 with 65 points. They won’t hit the ice again until February 26, but two of their key players - Werenski and goaltender Elvis Merzļikins - are headed to Italy to represent Team USA and Latvia, respectively.
With the team finally finding its identity under Rick Bowness, the break comes at an interesting time. On one hand, it’s a chance to rest and reset. On the other, they’re arguably the hottest team in the league right now.
If they can pick up where they left off, the Jackets might just turn this midseason surge into something much bigger.
And after a 4-0 statement win to close out the first half, it’s clear: Columbus isn’t just chasing a playoff spot - they’re starting to believe they belong in the fight.