Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Edmonton Oilers Preview
The Blue Jackets are in Edmonton tonight for the first game of a 5-game, eight-night road trip through Western Canada, Seattle, and then finishing up in St. Louis.
Unfortunately for the Jackets, they'll get the Oilers who are on a 13-game winning streak. The streak started way back on December 21st, and they hope to end it tonight. Edmonton's power play is ranked 6th in the league, while their PK is ranked 9th. The Oilers score a ton of goals, and the CBJ have been giving up a ton, so this will be a tough match-up for Columbus. There isn't one part of this game that favors the Jackets.
Edmonton is currently 3rd in the Pacific, 6th in the West, and 12th in the NHL.
Three Keys To Victory
- Contain McDavid. McDavid has 14 points in his last 10 games and has 18 points since December 21st when the streak started. The Jackets have exactly no one who can keep up with him, so the best they can hope is to not let him beat them...too badly.
- Let's Get Physical. The Jackets are 29th in the NHL for the number of hits given to their opponents and are #1 for the fewest hits taken. For whatever reason they don't throw too many, nor do they receive many. Edmonton is 12th for the fewest hits given, and 7th for the most hits taken. The Jackets would be wise to hit the Oilers every chance they get.
- Shoot The Puck. The Jackets are 22nd in the league with 29 SOG per game. Edmonton only gives up 28 a game but is also 29th in blocked shots, so if they can pump as many shots as possible on the Edmonton goalies, they should have a chance to score some goals. But then again, scoring is never the issue for the Jackets, it's stopping the other team from scoring.
Series History vs. Edmonton
- Columbus is 9-21-2 all-time in Edmonton, including 25-34-6 in all meetings.
- The Jackets have won three straight against the Oilers going into this game.
- The CBJ are 4-4 in the last 8.
Who to watch for Edmonton
- Connor McDavid has 28 points in 14 career games against Columbus.
- Leon Draisaitl has 16 points in 14 games against the Jackets.
- Stuart Skinner is 21-9-1 this season, with a save % of .906, and has won 10 straight starts.
CBJ Player Notes
- Johnny Gaudreau has 39 points in 43 career games vs. The Oilers.
- Jack Roslovic has 6 points in 10 career games.
- Kirill Marchenko has 3 goals in 2 career games against Edmonton.
- Adam Boqvist has 6 points in 4 career games.
Injuries
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 14 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 14 games - Laine is skating and on the extended road trip to Western Canada.
- Zach Werenski (ankle); is on Injured Reserve on Dec. 29 (Approx. 4-to-6 Weeks); 9 games - Werenski is also skating on the trip to Western Canada.
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 172
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.