Columbus Blue Jackets: Top 3 takeaways from series loss to Lightning
1. The Kids Are Alright
There are several positives the Columbus Blue Jackets can take from their experiences in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first is their future is in very good hands, as they have some very impressive young skaters.
Pierre-Luc Dubois was phenomenal during the postseason. Not only was he productive (6 points in 5 games against Tampa and 10 points overall in 10 games), he was gritty and annoying as heck to play against. Dubois wasn’t afraid to take on the Leafs, or even Nikita Kucherov in Game 5. Even Lightning head coach Jon Cooper had some very kind words to say about him.
Jon Cooper calls Pierre-Luc Dubois a "baller." Says he's got deceiving speed: "He's just got that blend of quickness, he's tough. He's a guy that plays with an edge. He walks the line in how he plays, which even makes guys like him harder to play against. He's a cornerstone guy."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 19, 2020
If there was any concerns about Dubois being a franchise center, this postseason ended them. He’s a number one center and he’s continuing to blossom into a very special player.
Oliver Bjorkstrand was great against Tampa, as he gave them some big goals to keep them in Games 3, 4, and 5. He’s always been good at creating scoring chances and getting pucks on net. Now he’s starting to learn how to finish and score.
Alexandre Texier had a rough rookie season, as it was sadly defined by injuries. But he was able to get back into the lineup during the playoffs and had 2 points in five games against the Lightning. Texier’s a very gifted player and if he stays healthy, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a permanent fixture in the Blue Jackets’ top-six forward group shortly.
Liam Foudy was very effective in the postseason. He proved to the Blue Jackets that he’s ready to hold down a roster spot. Foudy still has some developing to do, but he was an important part of the Blue Jackets’ fourth line. With his blend of speed, size, and physicality, get used to hating him because he’s going to be a pain in the butt to play against.