Here, you'll get everything you need to know – including keys to the game, where to watch and listen, and more – before the Blue Jackets and Sharks meet for the first time this season.
The Blue Jackets are returning to Nationwide Arena after a horrific road trip. They went 0-4-0 while being outscored 18-6. The lone bright spot of the trip was rookie netminder Daniil Tarasov's performance. The Russian stopped 34 of 37 shots in Dallas and 28 of 30 in Washington.
TUNE-IN
Where to watch, listen and stream tonight's game...
WHO: Blue Jackets (12-10-0) vs. Sharks (13-10-1)
WHERE: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
WHEN: 6:00 p.m. ET
TV: Bally Sports Columbus (Jeff Rimer, Jody Shelley)
RADIO: 97.1 FM (Bob McElligott, Dylan Tyrer)
STREAM: ESPN+ (out of market only)
THE LOWDOWN
The Blue Jackets have to be happy to be back home, but it won't get any easier against the Sharks, who have had a solid start to the year.
They're led by winger Timo Meier, who has 24 points in 19 games. Logan Couture has 7-13-20 in 23 contests, and Tomas Hertl has eight goals in 24 games. Dynamic defensemen Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns will present matchup problems, as well.
It'll be Adin Hill (5-6-0) vs. Elvis Merzlikins (9-4-0) in net tonight.
ALL-TIME: The Sharks have had the Blue Jackets' number. Columbus is 23-38-0 against San Jose, and the Sharks have won the last two contests between the clubs. The Blue Jackets haven't beaten the Sharks since February 23rd, 2019.
KEYS TO THE GAME
What do the Blue Jackets need to do to win tonight? We're glad you asked.
- A Three-Period Effort: In Dallas, the Blue Jackets played a great first period, and a sloppy final two. In Washington, they played a good third period, but a tough first two. They haven't put together a 60-minute effort in a while, and they'll need one tonight against the Sharks.
- Force The Sharks To Make Mistakes: The Blue Jackets didn't draw a single penalty against the Capitals on Saturday night (although they should have after Garnet Hathaway elbowed Jakub Voracek). That's because they didn't spend enough time on the puck and in the Capitals' zone. They need to take the play to the Sharks tonight.
- Score First: The Blue Jackets have allowed the first goal in each of their last three games, all of which have been losses. In front of a friendly crowd, the Blue Jackets need to grab the first one tonight and use the energy of the crowd to push them forward.
From Sean Kuraly...
