Philadelphia (19-9-7) at Columbus (14-16-4), 7:00 p.m. EST
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets are
learning the hard way how valuable rookie sensation Derick
Brassard was to their offensive scheme.
Looking to snap a two-game losing skid and a dry spell on
offensively, the injury-stricken Blue Jackets host the
Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
Brassard, a talented center and Calder Trophy candidate, will
miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a
dislocated shoulder suffered on December 18. The 21-year-old
was injured during a fight with fellow rookie James Neal in
Dallas' 6-5 shootout win over Columbus.
Columbus has been shut out three time, but twice in the last two
games - both without Brassard, who had 10 goals and 15 assists
in 31 contests.
The Blue Jackets fell, 2-0, at Phoenix last Saturday and then
fizzled again on Tuesday in a 3-0 setback against the Los
Angeles Kings.
Steve Mason stopped 39 of the Kings' shots, but Columbus saw its
five-game winning streak at home come to an end.
It has lost three straight and four of five overall.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, dropped the first game of its current
season-long six-game road trip in a 5-1 setback against the
surging Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
The Flyers have alternated losses and wins in their last five
contests, following a five-game winning streak.