The Columbus Blue Jackets head to Chicago to face the Blackhawks Friday night. Both teams are competing for the number one spot in the league. Friday night’s game will be the first meeting between the two teams since October.
The Columbus Blue Jackets head to the Windy City to take on the Western Conference leading Chicago Blackhawks. Both teams are in the top three of the NHL behind the Washington Capitals. The Blue Jackets absolutely need to win tonight’s matchup if they want to seriously contend for the President’s Trophy. Here’s what it’s going to take.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Bring the Offense Back
Ever since Oliver Bjorkstrand was boarded into the walls of Nationwide arena on March 22nd against the Toronto Maple Leafs the offense has fallen flat. Since that game, the Jackets have not scored more than one goal in a single game. Head Coach John Tortorella said after last night’s loss that the top players need to step up.
The power play unit has been the focus of much criticism lately. The Blue Jackets haven’t scored a power play goal since March 13th against the Philadelphia Flyers.
With both the man advantage unit and five-on-five scoring down, the future does not look good for the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, hockey is a game of trends. It only takes one night to ignite an offense and hopefully tonight is that night.
A Rested Bob
The Columbus Blue Jackets might not be scoring goals like they want to, but they are not dropping points. The Jackets have earned points in four of their last five, and eight in the last ten. Most of this can be attributed to superb play by Sergei Bobrovsky. I’ll be the first to say it makes me uneasy when the team leans too heavily on Bob. It’s not a sustainable way to win. That said, the guy is on fire and seems to be loving life right now.
Images of Bob smiling and dancing on the ice can should only bring us Jacket fans happiness. Advance statistics may say we are in a bad place offensively but I don’t need those stats to tell me we have only scored a pitiful amount of goals recently. That can be seen very clearly. I can also see how hot our goalie is right now. Bob sat last night against Carolina. Joonas Korpisalo filled in mightily. Bob is back in the net tonight though and I’m pretty jacked up to see him play.
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Tough Stretch
These next few games for the CBJ will make or break their chances for not only the President’s Trophy but also a home ice advantage in the first round. The Jackets play the Blackhawks, the Capitals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins in a five-day stretch. Winning all three would put the Jackets back within striking distance of the Capitals, and may very well bury the Penguins into the three seed.
Columbus has risen to the challenge all year. It was the Blackhawks who they beat to earn their first win way back in October after starting 0-2. It has been the Capitals who they have beaten to show they are for real. And it’s the Penguins who evoke such emotion that losing to them seems out of the question. Tonight’s tilt will be show us if this team has what it takes to make waves in the Playoffs.
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Quick Chicago Tip to Visiting Fans
As a former Chicago resident, I feel I should offer some knowledge of the second city to any traveling Jacket fans. After the game, head over to the Pilsen neighborhood for dinner. A quick hop and a skip from the arena lies the best Mexican food you have ever had in your life. Most joints are open 24 hours and are B.Y.O.B. Los Comales is a neighborhood favorite. I also like Coyotes and Taqueria El Mezquite. Not into the Mexican Cuisine? No problem. Hop over to Honky Tonk BBQ where you can get a slice of sweetened bacon with your Old Style Lager. Hit up Simone’s, Pil-zen, or the Punch House for post dinner Drinks. Enjoy yourselves!