CBJ vs. Wild Preview
The Blue Jackets return home after completing a third-period comeback to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
Columbus could be catching the Minnesota Wild at the right time. The Wild are currently on a four-game losing streak that sees them averaging 1.5 goals a game while giving up 3.5 goals a game. Their last win was on December 27th vs. the Red Wings.
Statistically, the Wild are ripe for the picking. They don't score many goals and are middle of the pack in terms of goals against. Their special teams are where Columbus could take advantage of Minnesota. Their power play is 22nd vs. the CBJ's 11th-ranked PK. And their PK is 29th against the CBJ power play that had been hot until recently. The Jackets won in OT way back on October 21st, so they can win this game.
The Wild are currently 7th in the Central Division, 13th in the West, and 26th in the NHL. They are 2 points ahead of the Jackets in the league standings.
Three Keys
- Welcome Back Adam Boqvist. Adam Boqvist had missed the last month due to a shoulder injury, and with Zach Werenski being out, the Jackets need a defenseman who can pass and shoot. Boqvist is that guy. Boqvist should be quarterbacking the PP with him back in the lineup and Werenski out.
- WIN AT HOME! Before beating the Maple Leafs on December 29th, they hadn't won on home ice since December 8th. They're going to need to win more than two home games in a month if they want to be successful.
- Bring Physicality. The Minnesota Wild have historically been a heavy team to play against. They like to hit and impose their will. The Jackets need to match their play style to beat the Wild. In the first meeting of the season, the Jackets only had 8 hits to Minny's 14. Hit the Wild.
Series History
- The Jackets are 19-10-2 all-time at NWA vs. the Wild and 32-26-7 all-time.
- The Blue Jackets are 5-3-1 in the last 9.
Who to watch for Minnesota
- Kirill Kaprizov has 13 goals and 34 points, including 15 power play points.
- Joel Eriksson Ek has 15 goals and 25 points.
- Rookie Marco Rossi has 11 goals and 23 points, one point behind Adam Fantilli.
- Goalie Filip Gustavsson is 10-9-2 with a save % of .903.
- Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is 6-8-2 with a save % of .896.
CBJ Player Notes
- Johnny Gaudreau has 21 points in 23 career games vs. Minnesota.
- Elvis Merzlikins is 2-0-2 with a .919 save % in four career games against the Wild.
- Damon Severson has totaled 7 points in 16 career games vs. the Wild.
Injuries
- Boone Jenner (fractured jaw) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 9 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 11 games
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 14 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 9 games
- Nick Blankenburg (upper body) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 19 (day-to-day); 7 games
- Sean Kuraly (abdominal injury) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 23 (Approx. 2-to-4 Weeks); 5 games
- Zach Werenski (ankle); is on Injured Reserve on Dec. 29 (Approx. 4-to-6 Weeks); 4 games
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 150
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. The radio broadcast will be on 105.7 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.