The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks meet for the first of two games this season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in Chicago today to play the Blackhawks for the first time this season. The Jackets just went 3-0-1 during a four-game homestand and sit just two points out of a playoff spot.
The Blackhawks come into this game having lost their last game against Minnesota. They've also lost 5 of 7, and have gone 3-6-1 in their last ten games.
Old Friend and Chicago Captain Nick Foligno will get another crack at the Blue Jackets. The ex-CBJ Captain has nine points in 23 games this season. Last year he had 37 points in 74 games for the Hawks.
Chicago is struggling to score goals this season and has only scored 57, which is 30th in the league. On defense, they're pretty stingy, however. They've only conceded 68 goals, which is 12th in the league.
The Hawks power play is 9th in the league at 22.4 %. But the leading goal scorer on the Chicago power play isn't who you think. You would think that Connor Bedard would be that guy, but he isn't. He has 7 power-play assists, but he only has one on the goal side of things. He only has four goals on the season, not making Blackhawks fans happy.
This is game one of a five-game road trip for Columbus which includes three stops in Western Canada, so they need to get points in this game.
Chicago is currently 8th in the Central, 16th in the West, and 32nd in the league.
Series History vs. The Blackhawks
- Columbus is 19-25-6 on the road and 40-46-15 in 101 games.
- The Jackets have won three straight in the series, and are 5-2-2 in the last 9 at the United Center.
- The CBJ are 4-1-0 in the last 5.
Who To Watch For The Blackhawks
- Connor Bedard has 4 goals and 17 points the season and leads the team.
- Ryan Donato leads the Hawks with 10 goals.
- Petr Mrazek is 7-9 with a .911 save %.
CBJ Player Notes vs. The Blackhawks
- Sean Monahan has 25 points in 27 career games against Chicago.
- Damon Severson has 13 points in 15 games.
- Zach Werenski has 14 points in 16 games.
Injuries
- Boone Jenner (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 7; (21 Games)
- Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 16; (18 Games)
- Yegor Chinakhov (upper body); (1 Game)
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 87
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
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