Talk about a must-win.
The Blue Jackets are back at it Monday night, looking to avoid their ninth loss in a row.
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| OTTAWA SENATORS |
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21–30–11 (53 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7 P.M. – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH. |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
They'll be facing the Ottawa Senators, who are stumbling through a forgetful season. The two teams have already met twice this year, once in Columbus and once in Ottawa.
At Nationwide Arena on November 25th, the Blue Jackets took down the Senators, 1-0, on a goal from Oliver Bjorkstrand and a shutout from Joonas Korpisalo. Then, at the Canadian Tire Centre on December 14th, the Blue Jackets fell in overtime, 4-3.
The Senators are led by center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who has 24 goals on the year. He may be dealt before the trade deadline as Ottawa look to improve their prospects for the future. Old friend Anthony Duclair is also having a good season for the Senators, although his production has dipped recently.
This is a game that the Blue Jackets must win if they want to remain in contention for the Stanley Cup playoffs. A loss to the Senators on home ice would be crushing.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Dubois–Foligno
Matteau–Jenner–Gerbe
Milano–Stenlund–Bemstrom
Robinson–Nash–Lilja
Defenseman
Werenski–Nutivaara
Gavrikov–Savard
Harrington–Peeke
After being activated from the injured reserve list, All-Star goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has rejoined the Blue Jackets. He may get the nod tonight, as Elvis Merzlikins' play has slipped a bit as of late.
Storylines
- Skate Hard. The banged-up Blue Jackets, who possess a roster with several AHL players, have had success scoring goals by playing physical in all three zones. They need to implement their physical play against a struggling Senators team.
- Win it in Regulation. During the Blue Jackets' eight-game losing streak, five losses have come in overtime or a shootout. This season, the Blue Jackets are 7-10 in overtime and 0-4 in shootouts. With so many skill players injured, they simply don't have the guys to win in overtime or a shootout.
- Matteau Settling In. Since his call up from the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), Stefan Matteau has made the most of his opportunity. He's notched a goal and an assist in his two games with the Blue Jackets.