Game Preview: Annual California Trip Begins Saturday As Blue Jackets Battle Sharks In San Jose

SAN JOSE SHARKS

14-32-5 (33 pts; .324%) 8th, Pacific Division ROSTER SCHEDULE

10:30 P.M. – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 SAP CENTER SAN JOSE, CA

TELEVISION: Bally Sports Ohio ESPN+ Power Play (Out of Market)

In just three days since the Columbus Blue Jackets last game, two major events have unfolded for the franchise.

They'll host the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium in just over a year, and they'll do so without Jarmo Kekalainen as the general manager.

Kekalainen was fired Thursday after 11 years with the franchise, and in speaking with the press following the news, the Blue Jackets on-ice leadership — captain Boone Jenner and alternate captains Zach Werenski, Sean Kuraly, and Erik Gudbranson — said they feel partially responsible. 

"It's a tough day obviously," Jenner said Thursday. "The spot we're in is not where we want to be, things like this happen and it's unfortunate and we all take responsibility."

"For us, it's making sure we are where we need to be on the ice and in the locker room."

Their first chance to show that they can be where they need to be on the ice will come Saturday when they face the San Jose Sharks to continue a four-game road trip. The Sharks are one of just three teams in the NHL with fewer points than Columbus' 42.

Here's what else to know when the Blue Jackets begin their annual California road swing:

TALKING POINTS: SJ

• It's been another dismal, long season for the Sharks — but with a 5-2-2 record in their last nine games, this is the best hockey they've been playing all season. That's not saying much as their 0-10-1 star to the season, but they're at least proving that they can win games at the NHL level. This will be their third game back following two weeks off, and they're coming off a 6-3 doubling up of the Calgary Flames on the road. Saturday's game against the Blue Jackets is their first of the month on home ice.
   
• Despite points in seven of their last nine, the Sharks still find themselves at or near the bottom of the league in all critical stats: 31st in goals per game (ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks) and last in goals against, shots for, and shots allowed. 

TALKING POINTS: CBJ

• On paper, this is a game that the Blue Jackets should win. They are a favorite in a game (-135 as of Saturday morning from Tipico Sportsbook) for the first time since the night before Thanksgiving against the Blackhawks. This is also the first time this season they are facing a team that they rank ahead of in both goals for and goals against.
   
• For the fourth time in five games, the Blue Jackets allowed multiple power play goals in Tuesday's loss to the Ottawa Senators. The 5th game? Their 1-0 win over the St. Louis Blues at the end of January and their only win of the five. Columbus' penalty kill has been abysmal as of late and is impeding any chance of victory.
   
• Projected lineups for Saturday's game, based on Tuesday's lineups and practices this week. After missing Tuesday's game, forward Yegor Chinakhov was a full participant at practice Friday and head coach Pascal Vincent said he is expected to be in the lineup Saturday.