The Columbus Blue Jackets seek their fifth-straight game with a point tonight, believe it or not.
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1–2–1 (3 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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8:30 P.M. – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 SCOTIABANK ARENA TORONTO, ONTARIO |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPO |
Even after back-to-back overtime losses, the Blue Jackets haven't suffered a regulation loss since a 2-1 defeat at the hand of the Anaheim on Oct 11.
The overtime losses were daggers for Columbus, who likely deserved better outcomes in both contests. Against Chicago, the Blue Jackets won the shot total 39-33 and the total CF% between the teams at 51.0 and 49.0, and against the Islanders, won the shot total again and the CF% by a whopping 58.6 to 41.4.
So far this season, the Blue Jackets are struggling with the one area most agreed they would - finding the back of the net. They currently 26th in the league in goals for with 18, and have only scored over two goals in three of their eight outings.
Tonight, they take on a Toronto Maple Leafs team who spoiled the Blue Jackets' home opener, a team that has had trouble keeping opposing clubs out of their net, conceding 31goals (25th in the league). This is a good sign for a Columbus team who needs to take strides to start scoring in bunches.
Here's tonight's projected lineup:
Forwards
Foligno–Dubois–Atkinson
Nyquist–Wennberg–Bjorkstrand
Texier–Jenner–Anderson
Milano–Nash–Bemstrom
Defensemen
Werenski–Jones
Kukan–Nutivaara
Gavrikov–Savard
Goaltender: TBD
Storylines
- The Andy Man Returns. Josh Anderson is back in the lineup after missing seven games due to an upper-body injury. He had a career-high 27 goals last season and will be a needed scoring presence with the Blue Jackets struggling in that department.
- Defensive Shuffling. Ryan Murray is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and if he can't go tonight, Dean Kukan will draw in again. As Vladislav Gavrikov gets more and more comfortable, it appears Kukan will be the odd-man-out for the foreseeable future, lest he steps his game up in a big way.
- Better Shots, Not More Shots. The Blue Jackets have outshot a majority of their opponents this season, but it hasn't come with much scoring. Even when getting high danger chances (six in the third period against the Islanders) they still are struggling with finding the back of the net. This isn't a good sign, but the season is still young. Putting pucks on the net is always good, but the Blue Jackets need to continue to follow-up on their chances and look for secondary opportunities.
