Pittsburgh visits the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second time this year. The Jackets hopes to put together a few wins in a row before their bye week.
Two of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference will go head to head tonight in Nationwide Arena. There is little doubt that this game will be an emotional tilt for both teams as they try to build momentum as the season creeps its way into March.
The Jackets are coming off a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. The Pens are on the second half of a back to back after beating the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in overtime on Thursday.
Penguin star Sydney Crosby recorded his 1,000th NHL point in the game Thursday. The Pittsburgh center leads the league in goals with 30 and is second in points with 60 behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Fortunately for the Blue Jackets, Crosby has not had the dominant success he is accustomed to against the CBJ. This is in large part due to the defensive play of Brandon Dubinsky. Dubinsky, more than anyone in the league, has proven he can shut down Syd’s play.
The Blue Jackets will call on Sergei Bobrovsky in net tonight. Bobrovsky got Wednesday off as backup Joonas Korpisalo stood tall in net for Columbus. Bob’s night off certainly prepared him for the sure to be intense game against the Pens.
Vital Third Period
If there is one area of play the boys in blue need to get back to, it is the complete dominance of the third period. While there is no way to draw that up on a chalk board, playing on their toes and with emotion would be a good place to start.
With the Pens coming off an OT game last night the opportunity to take advantage of a tired team is prime. Expect both teams to come out hard and fast. If the game is close going into the third, the CBJ need to make sure they are the ones dictating play and keeping their foot on the throttle.
Nationwide Arena will be rocking as the rivals from the east make their last visit of the regular season. But don’t mention the R word to anyone in black and yellow. To them, the Jackets are still the younger brother that is just now sitting at the adult table.
Word to the wise, bet the over. When these two teams meet goals are aplenty. See you all at NWA.