Columbus Blue Jackets (42 pts) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (59 pts) Game Preview
Columbus is going to try something that they can't seem to do much anymore, win back-to-back games, and beat Tampa two straight times.
The Bolts come into Columbus 7-3 in their last 10 games, but they've lost two straight, both against New York teams. The loss on Thursday was embarrassing as the Islanders beat them 6-2, but the loss on Wednesday hurt in more than one way. Defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was lost for the season with a broken leg as they would also lose to the Rangers 3-1, it was not a good night for Tampa. Meanwhile, this is the Jackets first game back from the mandatory break.
The Lightning currently sit 4th in the Atlantic, 7th in the East, and 13th in the NHL.
Keys To The Game
- Welcome To The Stretch Run. The Jackets have 32 games left in the season, and it starts tonight. They've had plenty of rest and Tampa comes in with this being their 3rd game in 4 nights. The Jackets needs to take advantage of that.
- Play Physical. Columbus should have lots of energy to get out of their system. The Bolts are the 4th most hit team in the league, so continue that trend and good things could happen tonight.
Series History vs. Tampa Bay
- Columbus is 10-11-3 all-time vs. Tampa inside Nationwide Arena. They won their most recent meeting on November 2nd.
- The Jackets are 15-25-7 in the all time series vs. the Bolts.
- The Blue Jackets are 4-3-2 in the last 9 games.
Who to watch for Tampa Bay
- Nikita Kucherov has 33 goals and 87 points this season. He also has 35 points in 25 career games vs. Columbus.
- Brayden Point has 25 goals and 52 points so far this season. He has 27 points in 24 games against Columbus.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy is 16-11 with a save % of .899 on the season. He lost his last start against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.
CBJ Player Notes
- Johnny Gaudreau has 17 points in 17 games against the Lightning.
- Zach Werenski has 11 points in 19 games vs. Tampa, including points in 7 of his last 8 games.
- Elvis Merzlikins is 3-1-1 with a save % of .923 in 5 games against Tampa at home.
Injuries
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture-Dec. 14; NHL Player Assistance Program-Jan. 28); 17 games
- Adam Boqvist (upper body) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Jan. 25; 3 games
- Adam Fantilli (calf laceration on Jan. 28); expected to miss 8 weeks; 1 game
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 180
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 FM with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
More From THN Columbus
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.