Blue Jackets’ Charlie Coyle drops truth bomb after 2nd career hat trick

The Columbus Blue Jackets are finally finding their rhythm after a difficult stretch, punctuated by a vital 3-2 overtime victory against the Utah Mammoth. This win, which snapped a four-game losing streak in early January, was secured by a power-play goal from Dmitri Voronkov just over a minute into the extra period. Charlie Coyle, who contributed a regulation goal to tie the game at 2-2, emphasized the importance of the result as the team prepared to return home for a crucial homestand.

Despite losing defenseman Denton Mateychuk to injury during the game, the Blue Jackets outshot their opponents 37-27, marking a turning point for a special teams unit that had previously struggled through an 0-for-17 slump.

Coyle has continued his hot streak, racking up nine points, including five goals and four assists, over his last three games. Reflecting on his second career hat trick in a separate report by the NHL, the forward offered a candid perspective on the unpredictable nature of the sport.

“Hockey’s funny the way it works sometimes,” Coyle said. “Sometimes you feel great and you ride it. Sometimes you feel great, it doesn’t work out. Sometimes you feel like crap and you’re on the end of some pretty good plays. But I think just our line, wherever we’re playing, we try to play the right way, put it behind them”.

He noted that maintaining consistency and hanging onto the puck were key factors in their recent success against the Blackhawks, particularly when capitalizing on their opponent’s back-to-back schedule.

This resurgence is largely credited to the mid-season hiring of Rick Bowness, who replaced Dean Evason on January 10. Under Bowness, the squad has won six of its first seven games, moving from last place to fifth in the Metropolitan Division.

Star defenseman Zach Werenski recently praised Bowness for his exceptional communication skills, noting that the coach’s ability to keep the team focused during high-pressure moments—such as a late 5-2 win over the Flyers—has been game-changing.

By emphasizing an aggressive style and a “next shift” mentality, Bowness has helped the Blue Jackets climb to a 26-20-7 record, placing them firmly back in the hunt for a postseason berth.