Another night, another divisional matchup for the Blue Jackets, who are in what is undoubtedly the most important stretch of their season. Their upcoming slate is chock full of teams who are in a similar situation, as just about everybody is within striking distance in the Metropolitan.
Tonight's opponent currently holds that spot, and has been a fixture there for a while. The Washington Capitals aren't the regular season juggernaut that they've been the last few years, but there is still a ton of talent on this club, from Vezina-caliber netminder Braden Holtby to superstars Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, plus budding stars like Evgeny Kuznetzov. There's a lot to be impressed by – and to fear – as the Caps take their squad into Nationwide Arena tonight.
MATCHUP:
Blue Jackets vs Washington Capitals
Nationwide Center, 7:00 PM
TV: FOX Sports Ohio
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- It'd be easy to say Alex Ovechkin, but… Alex Ovechkin. He had plenty of detractors coming into this season, following a disappointing (by his standards) 33 goals and 69 points, and a rough time in the playoffs. Well, he's just one goal shy of that mark, leading the league with 32 goals so far this season. Still elite? You betcha.
- Speaking of elite, defenseman John Carlson is having one hell of a contract year. The soon-to-be free agent has 40 points for the Caps, while playing a career-high 25:54 per game. Look for him to get a big payday this offseason – but first, he's going to look to finish the season strong in Washington.
- Carlson's set to get a big payday this offseason, but last offseason saw another Cap get his – T.J. Oshie, the man who once haunted Sergei Bobrovsky. Team USA's hero in Sochi isn't really a star-level player, but he's having a decent season for the Caps, with 30 points so far. If it goes to a shootout – as many recent Blue Jackets games have – he could throw Bob off his game with some dazzling dekes reminiscent of his Olympic heroics.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
CAPITALS
30-17-5 / 1st in Metro Division
PP: 20.2% (18th) / PK: 78.7% (23rd)
5v5 Corsi: 48.22% (23rd)
BLUE JACKETS
27-21-4 / 4th in Metropolitan Division
PP: 14.4% (30th) / PK: 75.7% (27th)
5v5 Corsi: 50.90% (13th)
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