Game 9: On the road in Dallas
The Blue Jackets will face the Dallas Stars on Monday night at American Airlines Center.
The Jackets are coming off a home loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday night. They've collected points in four of the last five games, going 2-1-2. Tonight's game will be the third game away from Nationwide Arena this season.
The Dallas Stars have played just six games this season. They're sitting in 2nd place in the Central Division at 4-1-1, behind the 1st place Colorado Avalanche. Their last game against the Toronto Maple Leafs saw them lose 4-1 at home.
Three Keys
- Get Johnny Gaudreau going. “It’s going to come,” says HC Pascal Vincent. Gaudreau has been visible on the ice, making plays and creating chances, he just can't get the puck to go in the net. He leads the team in shots, so it's not like he's not trying. Vincent goes on to say about Gaudreau & Marchenko, “I think when it starts, it’s going to go really well offensively for those guys. But right now, the dangerous part about this is they’re gonna cheat the game to create more offense, and we want to stay away from that. Once you start cheating the game, you may create more offense but you’re not improving. But we’re not cheating the game, so I’m satisfied with that.” Their time is coming.
- Score from the greasy areas. The Dallas Stars are a very stingy hockey team. They've only given up 15 goals in six games, so goals should be at a premium tonight. The Stars PK is running at 94.7%, which is 2nd in the league, scoring on the PP might be difficult. The Jackets will have their chances at solving that good Stars PK though, seeing as they give up 9.5 PIM a game. Seems like a good time for Johnny Gaudreau to score. But it will most likely take a goal close to the Stars crease to get it done. Maybe a deflection is what it'll take, or a wonky goal off of a skate. Either way, shoot pucks at the net early and often.
- Elvis Merzlikins needs to continue his good play. Elvis is 2-1-2 so far on the season with a save % of .903 and a GAA of 2.93. He's kept the Jackets in games this season and has made some great saves. He seems to be playing with a little more calmness to his game and has poise. Yes, it's early, but so far the returns have been very positive for Merzlikins. Elvis needs to keep himself invested in the game tonight. Dallas averages about 31 shots a game, but they don't score many goals. I worry about goalies getting "bored" when they don't see a lot of action. He definitely needs to be on his game tonight if the Jackets want to win. Expect Jason Robertson to bust out tonight.
Series History
- The Jackets are 15-18-2 on the road vs. Dallas all-time.
- They are 9-5-0 in the last 14 games at American Airlines Center, however.
Who to watch for Dallas
- Joe Pavelski leads the Stars in goals and points, at 39 years of age.
- Goalie Jake Oettinger is a star, literally. THN Columbus' pick to win the Vezina hasn't disappointed. He's 3-0-1 with a save % of .952 and a GAA of 1.44, should he start tonight it's going to be a tough game for the CBJ. Scott Wedgewood started the Stars last game against Toronto, so Oettinger is the assumed starter tonight.
- Superstar Jason Robertson has just 1 goal through 6 games, it wouldn't shock anyone if he decides to go off tonight against the Jackets.
Roster Notes
- Erik Gudbranson didn't skate yesterday after taking a blocked shot off his lower body against the Islanders. HC Vincent called it "questionable" on whether or not he would play tonight.
- Should Gudbranson not play, Andrew Peeke, who took his spot in practice yesterday is set to play in his 2nd game this season.
- Kirill Marchenko looks to be a healthy scratch again for the second straight game. He has just 3 assists on the season.
- Captain Boone Jenner needs just a single point to move into 3rd place, for points scored by a Blue Jacket. Jenner is currently tied with former Captain Nick Foligno. He's also just 9 games away from breaking Rick Nash's record for most games played by a Jacket.
- TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 22
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 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.