The Blue Jackets welcome a surging Penguins team into Nationwide Arena.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling. Losers of five in a row, with two of those being in overtime, the Jackets desperately need a win. Good things are happening in games, but unfortunately, the late breakdowns are sinking them. They'll get their chance to right the ship and stop a hot Pens team tonight.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are red hot, having won the last four games straight, including a game against the San Jose Sharks that saw them score 10 goals. In those four wins, they're averaging 5 goals a game.
Three Keys
Stop The Bleeding. The Blue Jackets need to win this game. They need to do whatever it takes. They're averaging 3 goals a game since November 1st, so scoring hasn't been the issue. Keeping a lead is the issue.
Don't Wilt Under The Pressure of Having a Lead. Against both the Panthers and Rangers, the Jackets had a one-goal lead with under a minute left. In both games, while down a man after their opponent pulled their goalie, they couldn't get ahold of the puck and send it down the ice. Instead, they gave up the tying goals and eventually lost it in OT.
The Penalty Kill is Magnificent. The CBJ PK has been scorching hot. They haven't allowed a PP goal on 21 straight chances over the last eight games. The Pens PP is only ranked 19th in the NHL. But anytime you have to go up against Crosby and Malkin, there's a chance you're going to get burnt. The Pens have always been Jacket killers.
Series History
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Who to watch for Pittsburgh
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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.