{"id":468706,"date":"2026-02-23T21:31:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T21:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/468706\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T21:31:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T21:31:15","slug":"2-keys-for-the-columbus-blue-jackets-coming-out-of-the-olympic-break-the-hockey-writers-columbus-blue-jackets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/468706\/","title":{"rendered":"2 Keys for the Columbus Blue Jackets Coming Out of the Olympic Break – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zach Werenski<\/a> returns to the Columbus Blue Jackets after Team USA won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The focus now shifts to their push for a playoff spot, which is well within reach.<\/p>\n

They entered the Olympic break as the hottest team in the NHL, winning 11 of their last 12 games under new head coach Rick Bowness. However, the last game of that stretch came just over three weeks ago, so how can Columbus regain that momentum<\/a> down the stretch?<\/p>\n

Related: How are the Blue Jackets\u2019 2 Olympians Benefitting From the Olympics?<\/a><\/p>\n

It starts with their red-hot star and Olympic gold medalist<\/a>. Werenski has to come out of the break playing as well, or better, than he was during their seven-game win streak leading up to the Olympics. Werenski went into the break with points in 22 of his last 24 games, including 10 multi-point efforts in that stretch.<\/p>\n

He only averaged a little over 17 minutes of ice time per game during the Olympics, which is significantly lower than the 26:22 he\u2019s averaged with the Blue Jackets this season. So, at least he wasn\u2019t overworked. <\/p>\n

Blue Jackets Must Keep Up Scoring Pace<\/p>\n

The Blue Jackets have been scoring a lot<\/a>, with 46 goals scored in 12 games, averaging 3.83 goals per game. They\u2019ve allowed 26 goals in those games for a 2.16 goals-against average. Maintaining those numbers will help them keep winning. <\/p>\n

Werenski has been the star of the show, and while he hasn\u2019t found the back of the net a bunch, he has assisted on most of the team\u2019s goals. He continued that trend into the Olympics, where he scored one goal and five assists through six games, including the primary assist on the golden goal in overtime against Team Canada.<\/p>\n

\"ZachFeb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Zach Werenski of the United States celebrates after winning the men\u2019s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

However, Kirill Marchenko<\/a>, Adam Fantilli, Mason Marchment<\/a>, and a few others, who saw their point production slow down before the break, got to enjoy a much-needed few weeks off to recover and rest for a playoff push. The Blue Jackets\u2019 top line will be relied on heavily down the stretch.<\/p>\n

The team\u2019s depth scoring has been a big part of the team\u2019s success, and the biggest contributor has been Charlie Coyle. Coyle has been all over the ice, and he\u2019s been a great leader and teammate this season<\/a>. His play at both ends of the ice has kept the team in contention, and according to The Hockey Writers\u2019 Mark Scheig<\/a>, has brought him into the Selke Trophy conversation as well.<\/p>\n

Blue Jackets\u2019 Goaltenders Have to Stay Red Hot<\/p>\n

Goaltending has been a huge part of the team\u2019s recent success. The Blue Jackets ended games before the break with back-to-back shutout wins, and they have three shutouts in this 12-game stretch. Jet Greaves earned two of them, while Team Latvia goaltender Elvis Merzlikins earned the other. Merzlikins, the only other Blue Jacket who was in Milan for the Olympics<\/a>, started Latvia\u2019s first game of the tournament against Team USA and a loss to Team Sweden in the elimination round. Team USA\u2019s talent was too much to handle, and he was pulled after the second period.<\/p>\n

#CBJ<\/a> practice about to begin after a little Olympic-watching delay. Elvis Merzlikins is back at practice after playing in Milan. pic.twitter.com\/GGLdqkW9Cm<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 22, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Merzlikins and Greaves should both be well rested. The team will need them to continue playing lights out, especially with two games against teams directly ahead of them in the standings, the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders, beginning on Thursday. <\/p>\n

If the Blue Jackets can continue to score and their goaltenders can continue to lock down the crease, they should be able to collect huge points to close out the month of February and gain some momentum heading into the March 6 trade deadline. <\/p>\n

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