The Columbus Blue Jackets and their fans faced tragedy this past summer when an alleged drunk driver hit and killed Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.
Regardless of how the Blue Jackets played in 2024-25, this season wasn’t going to be about results but about the love of the game, which both Johnny and Matthew had a tremendous appreciation for, along with remembering how they lived each day.
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Already a tough start even before the season began, the Blue Jackets lost captain Boone Jenner in the pre-season to a shoulder injury, which will keep him out for months.
Along with Jenner, coach Dean Evason’s squad is currently without Erik Gudbranson and Kent Johnson. Prospects Jordan Dumais and 2024 fourth-overall pick Cayden Lindstrom haven’t played in any league yet this season, either.
Through tragedy and injury, the Blue Jackets, with the unwavering support of their friends, family and fans, have impressed given the circumstances and have been one of the least talked-about storylines this NHL season.
Although Columbus has a losing record of 7-9-2, they are only three points back of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
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On home ice, the Blue Jackets, backed by their fans, have a 5-3-0 record at Nationwide Arena.
What’s been most impressive is that of their seven wins, five have come against the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins.
Columbus has scored six goals in six of those seven games, with five in the other.
On Oct. 12, they beat the Avalanche 6-4 before blowing out the Maple Leafs 6-2 on Oct. 22.
Less than a week later, they dominated the defending Western Conference champion Oilers 6-1.
Then, on Monday night, they made quick work of the Bruins, taking a 3-0 lead into the first intermission before coming away with a 5-1 win.
Forwards Kirill Marchenko (six goals, 10 assists) and Sean Monahan (six goals, nine assists) — Monahan signed this summer to be with his friend, Gaudreau — have been dominant offensively, with 16 points and 15 points, respectively.
Related: Sean Monahan Is The Feel-Good Hockey Story We All Need
A healthy Zach Werenski has been on fire, with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points.
As a whole, the team has six players with at least 10 points this season.
Starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins has been strong, posting a 2.72 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and one shutout in 10 games.
It’s been special to see what this Blue Jackets team is accomplishing this season.
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News Summary:
- Columbus Blue Jackets And Fans Rally Together Early In 2024-25
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