Game 81. The home finale gives the Blue Jackets a chance to pass the Pittsburgh Penguins in the standings in a titanic head-to-head clash with playoff berth (and home ice in the first round of the playoffs) on the line.
It's safe to say that the NHL's schedule makers are pleased.
If the Jackets earn just one point, they'll have clinched their spot, but even that feels secondary to defeating the Penguins and giving Columbus a shot at home ice in a playoff series for the first time in franchise history.
MATCHUP:
Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Nationwide Arena, 7:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- The Penguins own a ton of star power and this year is no different. A glance at the NHL's point leaders shows three Penguins among the top 10 in the league in points. The team is led by Evgeni Malkin (94 points), but Phil Kessel (87) and Sidney Crosby (86) are right there, too. For context, Artemi Panarin's 80 points are a franchise record. It's nearly impossible to truly stop the Penguins star's, but limiting their time and space is a must if they wish to contain them.
- Ian Cole is making his debut against his old team, and it's significant. Cole won two Stanley Cups with the Pens before falling out of favor this season. He was often a healthy scratch and his trade to the Senators (and eventually Columbus) was inevitable. The Penguins loss has been the Blue Jackets' gain. His presence has stabilized a Columbus defense that was missing something. Watching him face off against his old teammates will be fascinating.
- It wouldn't be a stretch to say that tonight's game represents the biggest regular season home game in team history. A home finale with a chance to clinch a playoff berth against the team that has knocked you out of the postseason the past two trips? Oh, all while having an opportunity to secure home-ice? It's insane how much is going on here. Penguins fans like to say – correctly, I'll add – that it's not a true rivalry until you beat them when it counts, in the playoffs. Tonight's game isn't a playoff game, but it is a heck of a setting to ignite a rivalry that has gasoline poured all over it.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
PENGUINS
45-29-6 (2nd in Metropolitan Division)
PP: 25.9% (1st) / PK: 79.8% (19th)
5v5 Corsi: 52.2% (5th)
BLUE JACKETS
45-29-6 (3rd in Metropolitan Division)
PP: 17.0% (27th) / PK: 77.2% (25th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.7% (7th)
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
