Blue Jackets Demand More from Second Line, Bench Kent Johnson

The Columbus Blue Jackets are experiencing challenges with their second line as they seek better offensive production. Following a recent matchup against the Boston Bruins, Coach Rick Bowness took decisive action by benching Kent Johnson in favor of Danton Heinen. This change aims to revitalize the team’s performance ahead of their next game against the New York Islanders.

Second Line Underperforming

The Blue Jackets have seen success from their first, third, and fourth lines throughout the season. However, the second line has struggled to find consistency—and Coach Bowness has made it clear that more is expected from this group. With only a few games remaining before the trade deadline, Bowness emphasized the need for improvement from all players, particularly the second line.

Lineup Changes Against the Islanders

• Danton Heinen replaces Kent Johnson on the second line.
• The new second line will feature:
  • Boone Jenner (left wing)
  • Sean Monahan (center)
  • Danton Heinen (right wing)
• The fourth line will include:
  • Dmitri Voronkov (left wing)
  • Isac Lundestrom (center)
  • Miles Wood (right wing)

According to Bowness, while Johnson’s previous performance was not egregious, changes were necessary to enhance the team’s scoring capabilities. “I wouldn’t make that decision based on just that one game,” Bowness stated. He pointed out that the Monahan line has not been generating enough offense consistently.

Player Development and Future Outlook

Coach Bowness had a constructive meeting with Johnson before making his decision. He reassured Johnson of his importance to the team’s future while expressing the need to see improvement on the ice. “This isn’t we’re going to sit you out for the next month,” Bowness remarked, indicating that the benching is meant to be a temporary motivational measure.

Sean Monahan, now paired with new linemates, echoed the sentiment of urgency. “We got to get going,” he emphasized. There’s a clear need for the second line to elevate its performance as the team prepares for upcoming games.

Mason Marchment Leads New Lineup

During the morning skate before facing the Islanders, the Blue Jackets arranged their lineup with Mason Marchment on the first line alongside Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko. This shift highlights Bowness’s strategy to invigorate the team in this pivotal part of the season.

As the Blue Jackets continue to navigate the remainder of the season, the focus will remain on enhancing the output from the second line to achieve better results on the ice.