Game Day Edition: Philadelphia Flyers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Philadelphia Flyers @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014, 7:00PM

Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Dec 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

I told myself I would be satisfied with a win over the Kings on Tuesday. Setting a new franchise record for consecutive wins would be a momentous occasion; having it happen against Los Angeles would make it even better. Well Columbus went out and took care of business two nights ago. The winning streak is alive and well, and now I want to see the Jackets continue it. While tonight has the makings for a classic trap situation, it isn’t without its fanfare either. Tonight marks the 1000th game in Blue Jackets history. It also comes against a Metropolitan Division rival, whom the Jackets trail by two points in the standings.

So yes, the win over Los Angeles was satisfying for me as a fan. However, this team has higher aspirations. Despite having the longest current winning streak in the league, there are several teams within sniffing distance of the Jackets in the standings. They need to keep getting points, especially against Metropolitan Division opponents. Two more points in the standings is a much bigger reward than any consecutive games record.

Philadelphia was supposed to have last night off, but due to a snow storm Tuesday, their game against the Carolina Hurricanes was rescheduled for Wednesday. The Hurricanes got out to a 2-0 lead, with the Flyers only putting three shots on goal in the first. Philadelphia got things going finally, and scored late in the 2nd and early into the third to tie the game up. A little over halfway through the final period, Jiri Tlusty scored the game winning goal for the Hurricanes.

This will be the third of four match ups between Columbus and Philadelphia. The Flyers won the first meeting back on December 19th, 5-4. The Jackets struck back two days later with a big 6-3 win. After this, the two teams will not meet again until April 3rd.

Stats

• For those who have not been keeping score, the Jackets have now outscored their opponents 30-15 during their winning streak. [ NHL.com ]
• In the month of January, Sergei Bobrovksy is 6-0-0, a 1.95 GAA and a .938 SV%. Well hello Vezina Bob, it’s nice to see you again. [ NHL.com ]
• When looking at the Blue Jackets Fenwick For % (FF%) in close game situations, the Jackets have not been below 50% since the December 12th game against the New York Rangers. As a quick review, Fenwick is the same as Corsi, except blocked shots have been factored out.

Courtesy of Extra Skater.com

Noteable Noteables

• No lineup changes are expected for tonight’s game. However, Blue Jackets Game Day Central reports that Blake Comeau is nearing a return (that will not factor into tonight’s game). [ Blue Jackets.com ]
• It is expected that Steve Mason will be in net for the Flyers  It has been confirmed that Ray Emery and Sergei Bobrovsky will be in net tonight.

The Union and Blue Song For the Game: 

Can’t go wrong with a little Bruce! This one is off the Tracks boxset and pops up in the E Street Band’s live shows every once in awhile.