With their 5-2 win against the Penguins last Friday, the Blue Jackets looked to be finding their offensive groove. Unfortunately for the team, they were unable to continue the improved play Saturday, culminating in a 2-0 shutout loss to the New York Islanders.
 |
| ARIZONA COYOTES |
|
15–9–4 (34 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
|
|
|
7 P.M. – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH |
|
|
|
FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS |
Tonight the Columbus Blue Jackets look to bounce back against the Arizona Coyotes.
The Coyotes will provide a strong test for the offensively-struggling Blue Jackets, as the Arizona goaltenders have been frequently stout this year. The goaltending tandem in Arizona currently boasts a 2.25 GAA, good for third best in the league.
This stingy goaltending presents an interesting foil for the Blue Jackets, who are third worst in the league in goals scored per game.
If the Blue Jackets want to regain their offensive confidence, tonight's game presents both a great challenge and opportunity.
The Blue Jackets currently lead the season series 1-0 with a 3-2 victory in Arizona on November 7th.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Jenner–Bjorkstrand
Texier–Dubois–Atkinson
Milano–Wennberg–Anderson
Foligno–Nash–Bemstrom
Defenseman
Murray–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Kukan–Harrington
Projected starter: Joonas Korpisalo
Scratches: Robinson
Storylines
- Harrington In. With Zach Werenski's upper body injury, Scott Harrington is first to draw into the lineup at the outset of what appears to be a four-week recovery schedule. Harrington impressed at times last year with the club, especially in the Blue Jackets playoff sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Harrington will look to vie for the sixth defenseman position upon Werenski's return.
- Finding Consistency. Friday, the Blue Jackets scored 5 goals in their thrashing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Saturday, they were shut out against the New York Islanders. Which performance is indicative of the real Columbus Blue Jackets? The truth could be both. The team has been wildly inconcistent this year in performance and tonight's game provides an opportunity to find a style of play consistent with Friday's game.
- Will Jones Step Up? So far this season, Seth Jones' offensive numbers have been below his career average and expectations. But with his partner out of the lineup, the Blue Jackets might be looking for the defenseman to contribute more offensively. Look for Seth Jones to take a few more offensive chances, especially is he is paired with a sound defensive partner, like Ryan Murray.
