Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau looks refreshed after a brief line shuffle, thriving between Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko. He scored in three straight contests and logged a pair of primary assists on the man advantage.
Coach Pascal Vincent credited quicker puck movement: "Johnny is catching pucks in stride and attacking downhill instead of waiting on the half wall." The top unit is now 5-for-14 since the change.
Gaudreau said the chemistry is growing: "We’re reading off each other and keeping our feet moving. When we stay connected, the chances come."
Columbus faces a back-to-back against the Islanders and Devils, and Vincent plans to keep the trio together to maintain momentum.