Columbus welcomes Logan Cooley and the Arizona Coyotes into Nationwide Arena.
The Jackets are coming into this game losers of six straight, it's time to get back in the win column. The next four games are very winnable.
Arizona comes in after losing in OT to Dallas on Tuesday. They've alternated wins and losses since November 1st.
Three Keys
Muzzle The Dogs. The Young Coyotes love to score goals. Although Clayton Keller leads the team with 7 goals, don't forget about Lawson Crouse, Michael Carcone, and Sean Durzi. Rookie Logan Cooley wants to be the playmaker and leads the team with 10 assists, so it would be wise to not give him any lanes to pass and to keep his linemates tied up.
It's Johnny Gaudreau Bobblehead Night. Gaudreau is a superstar and realizes the slump he's in, and doesn't need people to tell him that. What better night for him to lead the team to victory than tonight? Arizona can be stingy when giving up goals but give up the 7th most shots per game. Keep firin' the puck, Johnny.
The Yotes Power Play Loves The Penalty Box. Arizona is 31st in the league in PIMs with 218, and 22nd on the PK. There's no better team to break out against than a Coyotes team that loves being in the kennel. This game has all the makings of a team that will break this terrible losing streak. The Jackets can score on this PK multiple times, but that involves drawing those penalties and making the Yotes PK actually work. And that means sustained pressure while on the PP, taking good shots, and not giving up any short-handed chances.
Series History
- Columbus is 16-14-2 at home all-time vs. Arizona.
- The CBJ have also won 9 of the last 13 at NWA vs. Arizona.
- The Jackets are 10-3-1 in the last 14 games against the Coyotes.
Who to watch for Arizona
- Clayton Keller leads the Yotes with 7 goals and 16 points.
- Rookie Logan Cooley has 11 points on the season. He's second in rookie scoring behind Connor Bedard.
- Goalie Connor Ingram leads the Coyotes with 5 wins. In 7 starts, Ingram is 5-1 with a GAA of 2.87 and a save % of .911.
Roster Notes
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on Bally Sports Ohio. As always, the legendary Jeff Rimer will be on the play-by-play with his partner Jody Shelley. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.