Blue Jackets beat Lightning 8-5! Hear directly from the players who powered this season's highest scoring win.
The Columbus Blue Jackets were back in action last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning in what could have been the most impressive win of the season.
They dominated the red-hot Lightning, beating them 8-5. The Blue Jackets showed that if they can continue to play that well. They may not be able to rocket up the standings. However, it appears their approach is going to be a wise one; one game at a time.
Let's hear from the players who spoke after the game last night.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Rick Bowness - Head Coach:
- Bowness emphasized the importance of finding ways to win regardless of the game's style, whether it's a tight 1-0 defensive battle or a 7-5 offensive shootout.
- Despite the win, Bowness expressed frustration over giving up five goals, noting that several were "too easy" for the opposition.
- He acknowledged Tampa Bay's experience and "elite" talent, noting their ability to stay in the game through power plays and late-game pressure.
- The coach celebrated individual achievements, including Coyle's 200th point and Marchment’s hat trick.
- Bowness reiterated his belief that the team is better than their current record suggests and is committed to continuous improvement.
- He shared a lighthearted moment about encouraging his goalie, Jet, to "move on" after an unfortunate goal, highlighting the importance of mental toughness in hockey.
- Bowness specifically credited Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper for how well-coached their team is and noted that their "elite guys" were constantly coming at the Blue Jackets.
- He highlighted a crucial moment when Werenski jumped out of the box after a penalty expired and made a great play to recognize Marchment coming across the blue line for a goal.
- Regarding Musch’s quick release on that play, Bowness joked that "his father never had hands like that," noting that those types of "on and off" hands are a natural talent you can't teach.
- He mentioned that beating a "great Dallas team" followed by a "really good Tampa team" should provide the group with significant confidence.
- When his goalie, Jet, gave up an unfortunate goal early on, Bowness met him at the bench with a smile and told him "stuff happens, move on," emphasizing that such moments are what make hockey great.
Charlie Coyle:
- Coyle reached his 200th career NHL goal during the second period, scoring on a power play tight to the net.
- He emphasized that while milestones are "fun" and things to celebrate, the priority is always the "big two points" in the standings.
- He noted that reaching these milestones feels much better when they come in a win, allowing him to "enjoy it a little more".
- Coyle admitted he tries to "dumb it down" and treat milestone nights like any other big game to stay focused on the task at hand.
- He credited his teammates for the victory, noting that the team approached the game with the "smart, tenacious" style required to beat an elite opponent.
- Following wins over Dallas and Tampa Bay, he expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete with the league's top-tier talent.
- Coyle reiterated the importance of playing a structured, "hard-nosed" game
- He highlighted that when the team relies on their "will" rather than just "skill," they are able to grind out victories against high-powered teams like the Lightning.
Adam Fantilli:
- Fantilli noted that while the team briefly "got away from their game" during the match, they recognized it quickly and returned to the details that make them successful. He highlighted the team's "resiliency" and "no-quit" attitude as key factors in the win.
- In the third period, the plan was to "get pucks deep" and force the opposition to travel 200 feet, making it as difficult as possible for them.
- Fantilli expressed relief at scoring after a stretch without a goal, saying it "felt great to get that monkey off the back," though he emphasized that the team win was more important.
- He mentioned that the team's offensive output was a result of sticking to their game and staying positive, noting that they had been close to breaking through in previous games.
- Beating high-caliber teams like Buffalo, Dallas, and Tampa Bay reinforces the group's belief in their ability to compete with the league's best.
- After an unfortunate goal against Jet Greaves, Fantilli emphasized that it was the team's job to "get it back for him," praising Greaves for his phenomenal season and high "saves above expected".
- He praised the "collaborative" nature of playing with teammates like Marchenko and Voronkov, noting their constant communication to improve their play together.
Mason Marchment:
- Marchment described his mindset coming out of the penalty box, crediting his teammates for "dragging it around" and tiring out the opposition. He highlighted Werenski's play to pull the defender over, which gave him a clear breakaway to score.
- He attributed his line's success to positive communication. He mentioned they talk extensively on the bench about positioning and plays, ensuring everyone knows where to be.
- Following a tight 1-0 win and an 8-4 (corrected to 7-5) shootout, Marchment emphasized the confidence gained from knowing the team can win in different styles.
- He noted the importance of the team's ability to "bounce back" after Tampa Bay's push in the second period, keeping their "foot on the gas" to maintain the lead.
- Marchment praised the infectious energy of his teammates, particularly highlighting the fun atmosphere on the bench which makes it easy to stay engaged and play well.
- He felt the team played a "great game" in the third period, keeping a "third guy above" to limit Tampa's opportunities and finish strong.
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