Union and Blue
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Columbus Blue Jackets on National Television Tonight

By Lansing Murphy

Jan 7, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) scores a goal against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Cam Atkinson (13) scores a goal against New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets get their NBCSN showcase tonight against the New York Rangers. Why they aren’t wearing the best Alternate Jersey in the NHL is a mystery to me.

The Columbus Blue Jackets take on their Metro Division rival, the New York Rangers tonight at Nationwide for the last time this year. The game will be nationally broadcast by NBCSN for the first and only time this year for the CBJ.

New York is red hot as they have won five straight games, all with Henrik Lundqvist in goal. The last time the Rangers fell was on January 31st to the Jackets at MSG.

The nationally televised game will give the Jackets a chance to continue building respect across the country. All eyes will be on this game with the only other match up being Arizona at Calgary. Another sellout is expected at NWA and the lively atmosphere will hopefully come through in tonights broadcast.

With the hockey eyes of the United States on the Jackets they should don the best alternates in the league. Unfortunately a uniform crazied nation must wait until the playoffs to see they wonder of the Blue and Cannon.

All About the Mo

Once again the Jackets will look to carry over some momentum from their last game against Detroit. The attacking, physical play for 60 minutes ended with a nice home win. Carrying that over into tonights game will be a huge step forward as the Jackets haven’t won back to back games in eight tries.

The Rangers have been rolling as they are undefeated in their last five starts. Henrik Lundqvist has looked great in net and the offense has put up four goals in four straight games. Even though the King is hot, Antti Raanta will get the start in goal tonight according to Steve Zipay.

Remembering Matt Calvert’s Heroics

Tonight marks the third and final game at NWA for the Rangers this year. With that in mind, we look back on the match ups at home.

On November 18th Matt Calvert took huge one-timer off his face during the second period.

The horrific incident would prevent 99% of players from returning. Not Brandon, Manitoba’s finest son though. Following 36 stitches Calvert returned to the game. If returning and playing wasn’t enough, he went on and scored a game winning short handed goal. Thanks to fellow Columbus Blue Jacket Josh Anderson, we also got this beautiful hockey smile after the game.

In a season filled with memorable moments Calvert’s heroics have to be a top of the list.

Oh, they January 7th game? It didn’t happen. The Jackets definitely didn’t give up three 3rd period goals to lose 5-4.

What Else to Watch For

  • Cam Atkinson will breach the 50 point mark with a point tonight.
  • David Savard makes his second straight start following his back injury.
  • Jackets will not have the #1 Power Play in the league for the first time since October.

Tonights Metropolitan Division matchup is huge for both teams. A regulation win by the Rangers and they will tie the CBJ for 3rd in the Division with 75 points. And hey, if the equipment manager is reading this, just say the regular home jerseys are dirty and let the boys wear the alternates.

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