Blue Jackets vs. Kraken Preview
Blue Jackets vs. Kraken Preview
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports - Blue Jackets vs. Kraken PreviewThe Columbus Blue Jackets are back at home for the first game of a three-game homestand to face the Seattle Kraken.
The Seattle Kraken are coming into Columbus having won their last 8 games straight. The sad thing is, they're not even the hottest team in the league. The Kraken haven't lost in regulation since December 10th, and have since gone 8-0-2.
The Blue Jackets schedule is absolutely brutal this month. Last Tuesday they played the Jets, who had a 7-game streak, now they'll play Seattle, and then Vancouver on Monday, who as of today has a 4-game streak.
Old friend Oliver Bjorkstrand comes into this game with 31 points, good enough for 2nd on his team. Goalie Joey Daccord has started the last 5 games straight for Seattle, going 5-0. Since December 12th, Daccord is 9-0-2 with two shutouts.
The Kraken boasts the league's 17th-ranked PP and 13th-ranked PK.
Seattle is currently 5th in the Pacific, 9th in the West, and 20th in the League.
Three Keys
- Seattle's Best. Somehow, someway the Jackets need to slow the Kraken down and beat them. They're due for a loss, so there's no better time than now inside NWA.
- Block Out The Distractions. With everything going on with Elvis and the lost season, just play hockey and have fun...If that's possible.
- Win One For The Faithful Fans. Fans continue to show up despite everything that's going on. Make it worth it for them to continue to show up. The Jackets have some of the most faithful fans in all of sports, so show them a home win.
Series History
- Columbus is 2-2 all-time vs. Seattle, including 1-1 at NWA.
- Each team has swept the season series since Seattle came into the league.
Who to watch for Seattle
- Vince Dunn has 8 goals and 34 points this season, including 13 power-play points.
- Oliver Bjorkstrand has 11 goals and 31 points with 12 power-play points.
- Jared McCann has 14 goals and 23 points.
- Goalie Joey Daccord is 12-5-8 with a save % of .925.
CBJ Player Notes
- Adam Boqvist has 2 points in 2 career games vs. the Kraken.
- Johnny Gaudreau has 6 points in 6 career games vs. Seattle.
- Jack Roslovic has 3 points in 4 games.
Injuries
- Boone Jenner (fractured jaw) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 9 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 13 games
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 14 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 11 games
- Nick Blankenburg (upper body) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 19 (day-to-day); 9 games
- Sean Kuraly (abdominal injury) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 23 (Approx. 2-to-4 Weeks); 7 games
- Zach Werenski (ankle); is on Injured Reserve on Dec. 29 (Approx. 4-to-6 Weeks); 6 games
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 160
Related
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 97.1 THE FAN 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.