The Columbus Blue Jackets overcame a day filled with travel delays to secure a 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Monday. Overcoming adversity, Columbus swept a back-to-back and won its third straight game through a strong team effort. Here are three takeaways from the Blue Jackets' resilient road win:

1. Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Focus

The Blue Jackets' path to victory was far from conventional. Delayed flights due to mechanical issues meant the team didn't arrive in Ottawa until late afternoon, just hours before the puck dropped. This disrupted pre-game routines and presented a unique challenge. Goaltender Jet Greaves emphasized the importance of focusing on what they could control, a mindset that proved crucial. Coach Dean Evason noted before the game that the situation could be a positive or a negative, depending on how the team handled it. Captain Boone Jenner acknowledged the unusual day but praised the team's "gutsy" performance. The Blue Jackets' ability to put aside the travel chaos and focus on the game itself was a key factor in their success.

2. Teamwork and Defensive Prowess

The Blue Jackets displayed a remarkable team effort, with contributions from every player. According to Jenner, everyone "stepped up" and gave their all, making it difficult to single out individual performances. Mathieu Olivier led the team with four hits, while Zach Aston-Reese contributed three. Dante Fabbro and Severson blocked three shots each, and Brendan Gaunce won eight of ten faceoffs. Goaltender Jet Greaves made 27 saves. The Blue Jackets also demonstrated excellent defensive play, limiting the Senators' scoring opportunities. Columbus never trailed in the game. The Senators went 0-for-4 on the power play with just four shots.

3. Timely Goals and Offensive Transition

The Blue Jackets' offense capitalized on key opportunities throughout the game. Boone Jenner opened the scoring in the first period, followed by Damon Severson early in the second. After Jake Sanderson cut the lead to 2-1, Denton Mateychuk and Kirill Marchenko scored in the third period to seal the victory. Three of the Blue Jackets' four goals were scored on offensive rushes into the zone, a previously infrequent element of their game. These timely goals, combined with an effective transition game, provided a major boost to the Blue Jackets' offense. Cole Sillinger and Charlie Coyle played significant 200-foot games, contributing to both the offensive and defensive efforts.