MATCHUP:
Blue Jackets vs. New Jersey Devils
Nationwide Arena, 7:00 PM
TV: FOX Sports Ohio
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
- Stop the skid, for the love of god: the Blue Jackets have been veering in the wrong direction for a while now, and this five-game losing streak has them looking up at a wild card spot in the East. Forget about catching the Devils, who occupy the Metropolitan Division's third spot, right now the Blue Jackets need two points and they must use home ice to help get that done.
- Back to Bob? It'll be interesting to see where John Tortorella goes with his goaltending decision tonight. Sergei Bobrovsky didn't have much work at all last night but he wasn't sharp, either; in a must-win game in your own building, can he really give Joonas Korpisalo the start?
- Take advantage: The Devils are going about their playoff push without No. 1 goaltender Cory Schneider at the moment, who's sidelined with a lower body injury but traveling with the team on this road trip. New Jersey is expected to go with Keith Kinkaid in goal tonight at Nationwide Arena, who's a serviceable backup but a far cry from one of the NHL's best in Schneider.
TALE OF THE TAPE:
DEVILS
27-18-8 / 3rd in Metro Division
PP: 20.8% (13th) / PK: 81.8% (13th)
5v5 Corsi: 48.85% (20th)
BLUE JACKETS
27-23-4 / 7th in Metropolitan Division
PP: 13.8% (31st) / PK: 75.2% (27th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.16% (12th)
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