The good news for the Blue Jackets is that Game 82 is largely irrelevant.
The bad news for the Blue Jackets is that Game 82 is largely irrelevant.
And so, the regular season comes to a close tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, a building that's already tough to win in – and has been a house of horrors for the Blue Jackets over the years. The Predators have locked up the Presidents' Trophy, which makes this game meaningless for them, while the Blue Jackets' hopes for home ice advantage were dashed by the Penguins' win over Ottawa last night.
Now, all that remains is the definition of their opponent.
MATCHUP:
Columbus Blue Jackets at Nashville Predators
Bridgestone Arena, 8:00 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- The Blue Jackets have punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup playoffs, but don't expect John Tortorella to approach this game any differently. They'll likely dress their regular lineup, while the goaltender is the question mark. Might we see Joonas Korpisalo get a shot tonight?
- If the Blue Jackets lose this game and are passed by one or both of New Jersey or Philadelphia to fall into the first wild card spot, they'll open the playoffs with a first-round series against the Washington Capitals or the Atlantic Division winner (Tampa Bay or Boston). If they remain third in the Metro Division (which the percentages favor, for now) with a win tonight, they'll have a third date with the Penguins.
- Thank goodness this game doesn't have a ton of significance attached to it.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
PREDATORS
52-18-11 (1st in Central Division)
PP: 20.9% (14th) / PK: 81.9% (6th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.50% (9th)
BLUE JACKETS
45-29-7 (3rd in Metropolitan Division)
PP: 17.3% (24th) / PK: 76.5% (25th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.51% (8th)
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