Charlie Coyle (via Getty Images) The Columbus Blue Jackets gave a show through the first half of the season on Friday night, as a hat trick from Charlie Coyle led the Blue Jackets to a 4-2 road win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. The win, which marked the Blue Jackets’ fourth consecutive victory and eighth in their last nine games, further solidified the team’s resurgence since the hiring of Rick Bowness in mid-January.The Chicago Blackhawks have struggled of late, falling to 0-3-2 in their last five games. Despite some bright spots on the offensive side of the puck, Chicago simply couldn’t keep the Blue Jackets at bay. Charlie Coyle, who has been playing at an elite level of late, extended his point streak to three games and now has nine points in that span. His knack for scoring in all three periods sealed the win for the Blue Jackets.
Charlie Coyle power play helped Columbus Blue Jackets dominate Chicago Blackhawks
Blue Jackets’ Charlie Coyle Buries Three Vs. Blackhawks For Second Career Hat Trick
The Columbus Blue Jackets started scoring towards the end of the first period when Coyle scored a power play goal, taking advantage of the rebound from Zach Werenski’s point shot as mayhem broke out in the crease. The goal gave Columbus the early lead, which they have maintained throughout their recent winning streak. Werenski’s assist extended his point streak, further emphasizing the growing importance of Columbus’s defense.Chicago quickly retaliated before the first intermission, as Connor Bedard scored a loose puck in the slot to tie the score. The goal momentarily lifted the spirits of the home crowd, but it was not enough to slow Columbus’s momentum.Columbus focused on protecting the middle of the ice and denying second chances, even as Chicago pushed for the equalizing goal. With Knight pulled for the extra attacker, Coyle completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal in the final minute, securing the win in a perfect and well-disciplined road game.In addition to Coyle’s outstanding play, the Blue Jackets received contributions from their entire roster. Olivier scored a goal and an assist, Werenski chipped in with two assists, and Merzlikins stopped 22 shots to help secure the win.For Columbus, the win only served to solidify the notion that consistency and organization are finally paying off in terms of results on the ice. The Blue Jackets are no longer banking on spot performances and are instead learning to string together victories through well-rounded scoring and heightened defensive awareness.