With 16 games remaining in the regular season, the Columbus Blue Jackets still hold on to the final Eastern Conference playoff spot by a single point over the Florida Panthers. Four home games await this week, representing a chance for the Blue Jackets to gain some points entering the final month of the season. Here's what's ahead.
Tuesday: Golden Opportunity
The Blue Jackets open their home stand with a 7 p.m. Western Conference tilt against everyone's favorite NHL expansion team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Currently the Pacific Division leaders, the Golden Knights feature an offense with the second-most goals in the NHL. This offense includes former Blue Jacket William Karlsson, who is among the league leaders with 35 goals. FOX Sports Ohio will carry the game.
Thursday: AVALANCHE!
For the second and final time this season, the Blue Jackets face off with the Colorado Avalanche. The third-ranked Avalanche penalty kill matches up favorably with a next-to-last Blue Jackets power play, so the Blue Jackets will need to generate some 5-on-5 offense to come away with a win, most likely. The game starts at 7 p.m. in Nationwide Arena and will air on FOX Sports Ohio.
Friday: Red and Blue
To conclude a home-and-home back-to-back, the Blue Jackets play the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. The Red Wings are on the outside looking in when it comes to the Eastern Conference playoff picture, sitting nine points behind the Blue Jackets for eighth place. This one gets another 7 p.m. puck drop on FOX Sports Ohio.
Monday: Canadiens, eh?
Rounding out the four-game home stand is one final 7 p.m. game with the Montreal Canadiens. The Candiens are a point worse off than the Red Wings at this stage, with a 25-29-11 record. You can catch it again on FOX Sports Ohio.
Follow 1st Ohio BatteryFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
