The Blue Jackets welcome a surging Penguins team into Nationwide Arena.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling. Losers of five in a row, with two of those being in overtime, the Jackets desperately need a win. Good things are happening in games, but unfortunately, the late breakdowns are sinking them. They'll get their chance to right the ship and stop a hot Pens team tonight.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are red hot, having won the last four games straight, including a game against the San Jose Sharks that saw them score 10 goals. In those four wins, they're averaging 5 goals a game.
Three Keys
Stop The Bleeding. The Blue Jackets need to win this game. They need to do whatever it takes. They're averaging 3 goals a game since November 1st, so scoring hasn't been the issue. Keeping a lead is the issue.
Don't Wilt Under The Pressure of Having a Lead. Against both the Panthers and Rangers, the Jackets had a one-goal lead with under a minute left. In both games, while down a man after their opponent pulled their goalie, they couldn't get ahold of the puck and send it down the ice. Instead, they gave up the tying goals and eventually lost it in OT.
The Penalty Kill is Magnificent. The CBJ PK has been scorching hot. They haven't allowed a PP goal on 21 straight chances over the last eight games. The Pens PP is only ranked 19th in the NHL. But anytime you have to go up against Crosby and Malkin, there's a chance you're going to get burnt. The Pens have always been Jacket killers.
Series History
- Columbus is 11-10-4 at home all-time vs. Pittsburgh.
- The Jackets are 8-6-1 in the last 15 games at Nationwide Arena.
Who to watch for Pittsburgh
- Evgeni Malkin is pacing the Pens with 8 goals and 16 points. Two of his goals are PP goals.
- Sidney Crosby has 7 goals and 15 points, including two PP goals.
- The Pens have played three different goalies this season. Tristan Jarry leads the way in games played at 10. he's 5-5 with a 2.23 GAA and a save % of .920. He also has three shutouts on the season already.
Roster Notes
- David Jiricek has been called back up after getting sent to Cleveland for the weekend. He played one game for the Monsters.
- Jack Roslovic broke his ankle on Sunday night. He'll be out 4-6 weeks. This will no doubt give other forwards a chance at more ice time.
- Adam Fantilli has points in 3 straight games, including goals in both games over the weekend. He now has 9 points on the season.
- Dmitri Voronkov has points in 3 straight games and has 7 points on the year.
- Erik Gudbranson has 6 points in his last 6 games, including 2 assists in both the Florida game, and the Ranger game. He also has 41 blocked shots on the season, which is 5th in the NHL.
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.