Following a tough loss to the Flyers on home ice on Friday, the Jackets welcome the rival Pittsburgh Penguins to town in another hugely important divisional game.
The Penguins are on the second half of a back to back, coming off a big Saturday night win over the Maple Leafs. They had to deal with all the media attention that comes from Auston Matthews vs. Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel against his former team. The spotlight stays on them as they face a hungry Blue Jackets team. Look for Columbus to come out early and take advantage of a tired Penguins team.
Matchup:
Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets
Nationwide Arena, 6 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio
What to Watch For:
- The Jackets catch a break as Tristian Jarry the Pens back-up is the expected starter. Matt Murray got the start last night against the Leafs. The rookie Jarry has played in 18 games this season and has a .919 save percentage. The Jackets will pepper this kid with shots, let’s see how he handles it.
- Special teams is going to be a factor in this game. The Penguins boast the top power play in the game and a top 10 penalty kill. The Jackets who took just two penalties against the Flyers (a boarding minor which was offset by a roughing minor, and a too many men) need that to continue. The Penguins power play will make you pay.
- Sidney Crosby. The Penguins Captain is must watch wherever he plays, but he comes into this game hot. Since the calendar flipped to 2018 Crosby is second in the NHL with with 31 points in 20 games. The leader? his teammate Evgeni Malkins with 33 points, and just a little further down you find the Penguins other big star Kessel with 24 points. For comparison the Blue Jackets best player over that stretch has been Seth Jones, who has 13 points,
Tale of the Tape:
Penguins
34-22-4 / 2nd in Metropolitan Division
PP: 26.5% (1st) / PK: 82.2% (9th)
5vs5 Corsi: 52.05% (5th)
Blue Jackets
29-24-5 / 6th in Metropolitan Division
PP:14.7% (31st) / PK: 75.8% (27th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.75% (8th)
