February 26, 2018 – vs. Washington Capitals
On February 26, 2018; the Columbus Blue Jackets will face the defending Presidents’ Trophy winner Washington Capitals in the final home game before a three-game road trip. Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals will be near the top of the standings jockeying for position with the Blue Jackets. A “four-point game” late in the season against a difficult opponent is as important as a game can be. Whichever team loses will essentially fall two games back from their prior standing position which can shatter a team’s chances to be at the top of the standings.
With the trade deadline only a few days away at this point, it becomes possible that there will be a player debuting for one of the two teams in this game. Last year the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk solidified the Capitals position atop the NHL in the regular season; it is certainly a possibility that Brian MacLellan makes a similar move this upcoming season. Jarmo Kekalainen definitely is not afraid to make a big move when he feels it is necessary to help the team, as a result this game will be filled with questions.