The Columbus Blue Jackets have had little difficulty scoring goals this season. 6 goals in 5 games, 5 goals in two games, 3 goals in 2 games, 1 goal in 3 games, 0 goals in 0 games. Forward Sean Monahan and defenseman Zach Werenski are pacing the Columbus goals and points; Werenski had a 5 point game vs the Tampa Bay Lightning. Monahan and Werenski are playing at PPG (point per game) level.
The Blue Jackets' depth has stepped up as well. Cole Sillinger continues his strong play from last season, and Mathieu Olivier has taken a step and has a career-best 7 goals and 10 points at the time of release. All of these contribute to a 3.42 goals per game for a team that is competing hard game after game.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets to continue to hang around the playoff picture the goaltending must improve. Both Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov need to improve. Merzlikins who sports a 3.02 GAA and a .895 SV% gives some hope he will improve. Tarasov on the other hand has been downright bad.
The 25 year old Tarasov who was viewed as the goalie of the future in Columbus has struggled mightily. 4.04 GAA and .861 SV% have halted talk that he could take over as the starting goaltender that surrounded the team before the season.
If Columbus continues its scoring barrage as it has picked up and not slowed down then one of the goalies must step up. If that happens the Blue Jackets, who even when they lose are proving to be a tough out, will hang around the playoff conversation.
The Blue Jackets defense has played better and has had some lapses which have led to some easy goals. By and large some of the shots should have been stopped even when a player was out of position. It is truly up to the goalies to help this team stay in the playoff race.