The Columbus Blue Jackets handed the Boston Bruins their third straight loss earlier this month, in a successful outing that boosted the low morale of Columbus’s recent six game losing streak.

   Led by improved output on the front end, as well as a more stingy defense and goaltending, the Blue Jackets are off to a much better start to the season than years prior. At this point in the season last year, the Blue Jackets were on an eight game losing streak.am With a new coach and several new key players, Columbus is poised to make the most out of the improved situation.

   “We were getting pucks behind them. We were making them come 200 feet to try to score goals. It’s nice to see it, and we can now reinforce a lot of stuff that we did here in tonight’s game. But it has to be consistent. Hopefully that propels us forward to do the right things,” Blue Jackets center Justin Danforth said.

   The Blue Jackets success began from the back out with improved defense and goaltending. Columbus’ starting goalie Elvis Merzlikins has taken the next step in his career of being the type of goalie that the Blue Jackets need if they wish to continue with their success. Up until a recent outing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, which was a barn burner to the tune of 6-5, Merzlikins held his best save percentage since 2022. In the game prior, Merzlikins turned aside 21 of 23 for a dominant win against the Penguins.

   “It was huge. Six losses in a row and we didn’t really give them a sniff. A little bit on our heels in the second period, but we managed it fine. That’s going to happen. Decent damage control, so it was a really good 60-minute effort tonight,” Blue Jackets forward Zach Aston-Reese said of the Penguins game.

   The Blue Jackets also have improved mightily in offensive output, with three players who currently sit at a point per game. One of whom, defenseman Zach Werenski, also sits at plus four in goal differential when he is on the ice. The point spread amongst the players has also been fairly consistent, with just one player who has participated in over ten games who has not scored a point.

   20 games into the season, the Blue Jackets are just under a quarter of the way finished with their season. With the accumulated success of a 9-9-2 record, and a three game unbeaten streak, Columbus fans should remain hopeful that this team who has previously struggled, is on their way to progress.