Blue Jackets' Third Line Earns Coach's Trust
Columbus has started its third line in four of five games, and Cole Sillinger says the unit takes pride in being reliable in all three zones. Head coach Rick Bowness praised Charlie Coyle's hockey sense and competitiveness, noting he can move Coyle to different roles when lines get shuffled. The Sillinger-Coyle-Olivier combination ranks first in expected goals per 60 minutes among NHL lines with at least 20 minutes together.
Columbus opened 2-3-0 while tied for the NHL’s fewest games played. The Sillinger-Coyle-Olivier trio has started four of five contests, producing 5.46 expected goals per 60 minutes—best among NHL lines with at least 20 minutes together. Coyle, signed to a six-year extension, has five assists; Sillinger has three goals after scoring eight in 81 games last season.
Bowness has kept that unit intact while shuffling others. In St. Louis, he moved Coyle to right wing and Coyle recorded an assist. The line is plus-1 and supplies the club’s top two scorers, reflecting its defensive assignments and reliability.
This may affect Blue Jackets fans, players, and coaching staff by reinforcing trust in a checking line and shaping expectations for lineup decisions. If the unit sustains its strong underlying numbers, it could influence how coaches value defensive reliability and versatility, perhaps affecting player roles, contract perceptions, and fan discourse. It may also offer a model for young players that responsible two-way play can earn opportunity.