Columbus Blue Jackets (44 pts) vs. New York Rangers (81 pts) Game Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 1-1 this season against the New York Rangers and have muscled 3 of 4 points away from New York. Tonight will be their toughest test however when they go up against a Rangers team that has rattled off 10 straight victories.
New York does come into Columbus having played on Saturday in Philadelphia and winning 2-1. Might the CBJ be getting them at the right time? Tired legs, a lengthy win streak, and a CBJ team with a day's rest could spell disaster for the Rangers current 10-game heater. It won't be easy as New York is really good, but Columbus always plays them tough at home.
The Rangers score a ton of goals(8th), are stingy giving up goals(6th), are 5th on the power play, and 6th on the penalty kill. Again, this won't be easy.
The Rangers are currently 1st in the Metro, 1st in the East, and 2nd in the NHL.
Series History vs. The Rangers
- Columbus is 12-14-1 at home all-time vs. the Rangers and 22-21-6 in all meetings.
- The two teams have split the two games played so far this season with each team winning at home.
Who To Watch For The Rangers
- Artemi Panarin has 32 goals and 78 points this season. He has 31 power-play points.
- Chris Kreider has 29 goals and 54 points.
- Mika Zibanejad has 19 goals and 54 points.
- Igor Shesterkin is 24-12-1 with a save % of .907. Shesterkin has started the last four games for NYR.
- Jonathan Quick is 13-4-2 with a save % of .917. Quick hasn't played since February 15th.
CBJ Player Notes vs. The Rangers
- Johnny Gaudreau has 19 points in 19 games.
- Zach Werenski has 15 points in 20 games.
- Boone Jenner has 15 points in 32 games and had a hat trick on October 14th of this season in a CBJ win.
Injuries
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture-Dec. 14; NHL Player Assistance Program-Jan. 28); 17 games
- Adam Fantilli (calf laceration on Jan. 28); expected to miss 8 weeks; 7 games
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 187
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.