Game Preview: Blue Jackets Embark on Vaunted California Trip, Taking on Los Angeles Kings at STAPLES Center

By Dan Dukart on March 1, 2018 at 7:06 am
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Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Blue Jackets made a handful of moves that should make them a more complete team down the stretch run. The club is in California for their annual Highway 101 trip, and their first opponent is the Los Angeles Kings. Here's what's ahead tonight:

MATCHUP:

Columbus Blue Jackets at. Los Angeles Kings
STAPLES Center, 10:30 p.m.
TV: Fox Sports Ohio

WHAT TO WATCH FOR:

  • After an emotional win over the Washington Capitals on Monday night, the Blue Jackets found a rare three-day break in their February schedule to get to familiarize themselves with their new teammates, Mark Letestu and Ian Cole, who impressed in their debuts. Recently acquired Thomas Vanek met his new team in sunny Los Angeles, and his insertion into the lineup comes as welcome news, especially after learning that Josh Anderson will miss four weeks due to a knee injury.
  • A bit of musical chairs at the forward position, as Anderson comes out, but Nick Foligno was activated off IR and looks to be a go for tonight, as well as the aforementioned Vanek. This allows the team to find the balance they've been desperately looking for, as Boone Jenner appears to be slotted on the fourth line alongside Letestu and Matt Calvert. In his first practice, Vanek played with Foligno and centerman Alexander Wennberg. We know these lines are very much subject to change, but that's where they look to start. 
  • Anze Kopitar is having a monster year, posting 70 points in 64 games. For context, the second leading scorer on his team is Dustin Brown, who, at 44 points, is 26 off the pace. Kopitar is a star, no doubt, but would surely be an even bigger name if he played on the east coast. His defensive game is elite, so there are really no holes in his game. Averaging 22:06 of ice per night, it'll be hard to miss Kopitar.

TALE OF THE TAPE:

Kings

35-24-5 / 3rd in Pacific Division
PP: 20.2% (15th) / PK: 83.7% (2nd)
5v5 Corsi: 49.98% (16th)

Blue Jackets

32-26-5 / 5th in Metropolitan Division
PP: 15.4% (30th) / PK: 76.5% (27th)
5v5 Corsi: 51.76% (6th)

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