Traverse City: Pierre-Luc Dubois gaining confidence

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The confidence that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois exhibits each time he takes the ice is infectious.

It’s one of many reasons the Blue Jackets opted to select Dubois (6-foot-2, 201 pounds) with the No. 3 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He scored the game-winner midway through the third period of a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

Listening to Dubois describe his goal was as fascinating as the play itself.

“I protected the puck, fought off a few guys and chipped it behind their defense. I beat (the defenseman) wide, took the puck to the net and it found a way in. Simple as that.”

Dubois has looked a lot more confident and composed the past two games for the Blue Jackets. In a 6-4 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in the tournament opener Friday, he had one assist, a minus-2 rating and no shots on goal. He has one goal, a plus-4 rating and four shots in two straight wins.

In addition to his offensive surge, Dubois has showcased plenty of muscle with some big hits. He also has come to the defense of teammates.

“I’m a …

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