Blue Jackets vs. Capitals Preview
The Jackets and Capitals will play for the second time in 14 days
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports - Blue Jackets vs. Capitals PreviewThe Caps come into this game having won 3 straight games, including wins over Cup Champ Vegas and New Jersey. They've also won 7 of the last 10 games. Their win streak is quite surprising considering they don't score many goals. The Caps are currently 31st in the league in goals scored. Conversely, they don't give up many goals either. The Capitals are 3rd in the NHL in goals against. In the previous meeting against the CBJ, the final score was 2-1.
Three Keys
- Keep The Legs Moving. The Capitals give up the second least amount of PIM in the league, so drawing a penalty is going to be tough. But, if they can keep their feet moving, play fast, and put pressure on the Caps, they should be able to get a couple. In the last game they played, they had 4 power play chances against Washington.
- Keep it Simple. On the PK, they keep it simple. Quick passes, quick decisions, and lots of success. Why can't they employ that on the PP or at 5v5?
- Play The Kids. HC Pascal Vincent said today of the game against Arizona "I played Fantilli's line 19 minutes. I should have played them 28 minutes. They were buzzing." Yes, do that. That line should be playing top-line minutes. Fantilli and Marchenko were 1 and 2 in ice time for forwards. Hopefully, that's the standard going forward until Gaudreau and Laine get themselves together.
Series History
- The Jackets are 9-12-5 in Washington.
- Columbus is 5-3-1 in the last 9 games in Washington.
- Each of the last four games against the Caps has been decided by one goal.
- The Jackets lost 2-1 to Washington on November 4th in D.C.
Who to watch for Washington
- Alex Ovechkin. Always watch out for Ovi. He leads the team with 11 points. He's the only player the Caps have with a double-figure points total. He has 4 goals on the year, with 1 PP goal. He always seems to score against the Jackets.
- Tom Wilson. Wilson loves to hit the Blue Jackets, all the time. Adam Fantilli would be wise to steer clear of him and keep his head up. The last thing this team needs is injuries.
- Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren is 3-1 in 4 starts this season. He has a GAA of 1.76 and a save % of .947.
Roster Notes
- Boone Jenner will set the Columbus record for most games at 675, passing Rick Nash.
- Zach Werenski has 10 points in 15 games, which leads the team.
- Kirill Marchenko has a plus/minus of +5, as does Justin Danforth. +5 leads the team.
- Johnny Gaudreau will play in his 700th game on Saturday.
- Elvis Merzlikins will start against the Caps.
- Mathieu Olivier will play against the Caps, while Trey Fix-Wolansky will be a scratch.
- TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 38
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 with his partner Jody Shelley. The radio broadcast will be on the alternate channel of 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.