Andre Burakovsky – A-

Hard to really complain about two goals in a return game, especially when he was really struggling to hit the net before his injury. Second goal was a great effort that also showcased his skill. Had an ugly turnover in the third that led to a good chance, but as you will see in other player grades, he was not alone.

Bowen Byram – B-

I like a lot of what he’s doing, but he really struggled to hit the net tonight, and not sure how I feel about him on that top power play unit. There are more struggles to that unit than just him, though. Got stuck out there for a really long time on the game-winning goal.

J.T. Compher – C-

Had some rough moments on the penalty kill, and I have to say I am not shocked to see that line struggle in shot metrics. A healthy Nuke would really help in knocking one of those wingers out of the lineup.

Samuel Girard – C-

Girard was out there for literally every goal except the empty netter, so he was certainly involved. Don’t love seeing him lose Texier behind him on the tying goal, that’s for sure, but had some decent moments on the PP reunited with Toews.

Darren Helm – D-

His PK steal and near-goal late was his only decent play. Two penalties from a fourth-liner is just not good enough and had a brutal turnover at the defensive blue line that led to a two-on-one down low.

Erik Johnson – C+

Good fancy stats, but noticed him get caught puck watching a lot in the defensive zone. At one point, Kuemper had to make a few great saves back to back and Johnson was not covering anyone, just watching the saves.

Jack Johnson – C-

The breakaway in the third period started with him just making a terrible shot choice that was easily blocked and allowed the Columbus winger to spring behind him. He and Murray both struggled, so neither is standing out in a consistent way to take that sixth spot when Makar eventually returns.

Tyson Jost – C+

Once again noticed some good jump in Jost, as he was flying through the neutral zone a few times. Unlike the other night, he was able to get some shots off but they just aren’t getting any even-strength production from him.

Nazem Kadri – B+

Another night, another great pass to create a goal. Really happy with his play. He even drew a penalty without the refs trying to nail him for diving. It’s a miracle.

Darcy Kuemper – B+

He certainly held up his end of the bargain, but the Blue Jackets kept coming with great chances and eventually were able to breakthrough. Especially in the second period, he had to bail out the team when they were giving up some big-time chances.

Gabriel Landeskog – C-

Some really sloppy work by Landeskog on the shift just prior to the Columbus game-winner got a few guys stuck out on the ice for the long shift.

Nathan MacKinnon – D

The expectations are high for him and he’s just not meeting them, and you can see the frustration on his face when the camera cuts to him. He was so close to getting off a great shot late in the third when he cut to the middle, only for Jenner to whip his stick around to block it.

Jayson Megna – C

Had a nice chance in front in the third that didn’t go in. Other than that, not too noticeable. Continues to just hang around.

Ryan Murray – D+

Just some rough pinches that are really starting to stick out overall. That third pair was stuck in their end pretty much all night.

Logan O’Connor – C-

A rare LOC mistake was the main culprit on the opening goal. He’s been a consistent machine from day one, but just plain lost his guy on that play.

Sampo Ranta – D+

I’m just so lost as to why this is continuing. The hustle is there, as evidenced by him beating an icing late, but so many of the fundamentals are not. Skating around with your stick in the air, unprepared for a pass, just doesn’t make sense to me. Once again, the low man on the shot metric totem pole for the team.

Mikko Rantanen – C+

Not perfect, but he had plenty of chances, just couldn’t finish any of them. Led the team in shot attempts, shots on goal, and even drew a penalty, although it looked like a tremendous dive to me.

Kiefer Sherwood – C

Had a few shots in the return to his hometown, but nothing to write home about. He was on the ice when the Avs scored the near powerplay goal in the first period, but don’t think he touched the puck once.

Devon Toews – B-

Boy am I glad to see this guy back. He just calms the play down all the time and loved him trying to get a breakaway on the PK, just because he read no one was there to stop him. His worst shift of the night was probably his last shift when he had some puck struggles.