Columbus Blue Jackets (77 pts) vs. Colorado Avalanche (96 pts) Game Preview

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The high-powered Colorado Avalanche visit the Columbus Blue Jackets for the only time this season as the two teams wrap up their season series in a GIGANTIC game for both teams. The Jackets upset the Avs 6-4 at Ball Arena back on October 12th.

The Blue Jackets have nine games left, and each one gets bigger and bigger as we go on, and there’s nothing left to do but play the games.

Unfortunately for Columbus, however, they get an Avalanche team that has their sights set on the Stanley Cup and are pushing hard. The Blue Jackets know they can beat them, but have to somehow slow down Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, which is virtually impossible these days.

Avalanche Stats

Power Play – 25.4% - 7th in NHL
Penalty Kill – 79.1% - 15th in NHL
Goals For - 249 – 6th – 3.32 GPG – 6th
Goals Against – 208 – 10th – 2.77 GPG – 10th

Series History vs. The Avalanche

Columbus is 12-17-4 at home and 24-38-6 in 68 all-time games against the Avalanche.
The Jackets are 15-9-2 in the last 26 games vs. Colorado.
The Blue Jackets are 7-4-3 in the last 14 games at NWA.

Who To Watch For The Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 30 goals and 111 points.
Cale Makar has 29 goals and 87 points to lead all NHL defensemen.
Mackenzie Blackwood is 21-9-3 with a .919 SV%.

CBJ Player Notes vs. Avalanche

Boone Jenner has 14 points in 17 career games against Colorado.
Zach Werenski has 8 points in 16 games.
Sean Monahan has 27 points in 26 games vs. the Avs.

Injuries

Kevin Labanc (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve as of Feb. 21 and is out for the season (16 Games)

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 306

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears 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.

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