Game Day Edition: Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Washington Capitals @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Friday, January 17th, 2014, 7:00PM

Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Nov 12, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

After a nice three day break, the Blue Jackets are back in action at Nationwide Arena tonight, where they will welcome fellow Metropolitan Division-mates, the Washington Capitals. This will the third of four meetings between the two teams. Washington won the first match up back on October 19th, 4-1. They also managed to beat Columbus 4-3 in overtime back on November 12th.

The Capitals currently sit in fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 52 points. The Jackets currently sit in 6th 48 points. While they still have plenty of time to make up ground, division match ups are nearly always a must win with the Metro so jam packed right now. With a win over the Capitals, they Jackets can make up valuable ground and really start factoring in to the Metropolitan Division playoff race.

The Blue Jackets are on a four game winning streak (there highest of the 2013-14 season) and have gained positive attention in hockey media. While the three day break was welcomed by a team that looked tired in the first period on Monday, the Jackets cannot afford to come out rusty.

Washington enters tonight game riding a three game losing streak. Their most recent loss came Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins (4-3). Since the new year, the Capitals have only one two out of seven games.

Stats

• Despite their struggles in 2014, the Washington Capitals power play unit still remains among the best in the NHL. Their 24.7 PP% puts them in a three way tie with St. Louis and Pittsburgh for first overall. [ NHL.com ]
• Despite ranking 1st overall, the Capitals power play has not been at its best lately. In their last four games they are 0 for 9 on the man advantage. With the exception of two power play goal game on January 9th, they have been contained by the opposing team’s PK fairly well, as it shown in the following chart (made with the excellent Chart Builder over at Sporting Charts.com):

A look at the Washington Capitals Power Play Goals vs Power Play Opportunity rates for the 2013-14 season. Courtesy of: Sporting Charts.com

• The Columbus Blue Jackets 101.0 PDO currently puts them at 8th overall in the NHL. The Capitals are operating at the neutral 100.0 point.            [ ExtraSkater.com ]
• The Blue Jackets have scored 5 short handed goals so far this season, which ties them for 3rd overall Montreal and Anaheim. Washington is in a 5 way tie for 4th most short handed goals conceded (5). [ NHL.com ]

Noteable Noteables

• The Jackets are not expected to tinker with the lineup much, with the only exception potentially being Fedor Tyutin, who was not feeling well yesterday. Dalon Prout has been called up just in case. [ Blue Jackets.com ]

The Union and Blue Song For the Game:

Bob Marley – “Positive Vibration”

I kept on saying that this should be our next Song For the Game, with all of the positive CBJ buzz going around. So enjoy a little Bob Marley before puck drop tonight!