Game Day #47: Playoff-Minded Blue Jackets Wrap Up Big Apple Portion Of Road Trip Against Sorokin, Islanders

The Columbus Blue Jackets six-game win streak came to an end Saturday night against the New York Rangers, but it wasn't all bad for the CBJ.

Daniil Tarasov, despite the loss, was credited with his first career shutout in the Rangers 1-0 shootout victory. It was the fifth straight game where Columbus allowed two goals or less, something they hadn't accomplished in nearly five years.

And for the seventh straight game, the Blue Jackets were able to pick up at least one point. With the season now firmly in its second half, every point is important — especially in such a close race.

Columbus' opponent tonight — the New York Islanders — are desperately trying to stay involved in said race. The Blue Jackets, at 51 points, are currently in possession of the second wild card spot. Six teams are within five points of Columbus, with the Islanders eight points behind and one game in hand.

A regulation win tonight for the Blue Jackets would create double-digit separation from the Isles, creating a monumental task for New York to overcome.

Here's what else to know as Columbus continues their four-game road trip:

• RE: ISLES
  This is the 4th game of a remarkable seven-game homestand for the Islanders. ... Ilya Sorokin gets the start for the Isles. He's been sharp for New York this season, with a goals against average at 2.87 and a .900 save percentage. But the Islanders offense has struggled, leading to a 13-14-4 record for the NY goalie. ... Part of the reason for the Islanders struggles on offense is the worst power play in the NHL. They've converted just 11.8% of their man-advantage opportunities. They've scored a power play goal in just 11 of their 45 games. The Blue Jackets, for comparison, have scored on the PP in 24 of 46 games.
   
• MAXIMIZE THE PP CHANCES
  It's not just the Isles power play that is woeful: their power play is last in the NHL, too. At just 67.4%, the Blue Jackets above-average power play must capitalize on any chances they get. After scoring on a PP goal in four straight games, Columbus has now converted just one of eight opportunities over their last five games. Special teams could be a determining factor in this one.
   
• DANNY'S BACK
  Justin Danforth was activated Monday morning from Injured Reserve. In 25 games this season, Danforth had three goals and five assists for a total of eight points. The 31-year-old forward missed 18 games after suffering a lower-body injury December 10th against Philadelphia. His return to the lineup gives the Blue Jackets bottom-six veteran who can both score and play a two-way game. Indications are that Danforth's return will come as a winger, opposite of Pyyhtia and centered by Kuraly.
   
• LINEUPS & PROJECTIONS
  With Danforth back in, Kevin Labanc is a healthy scratch. Elvis Merzlikins gets the start, backed up by Daniil Tarasov. Aside from that, there appear to be no changes to the lineup from recent games. Here are the complete projections: