Columbus Blue Jackets: Toughest Five Game Stretch
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a tough season ahead of them, however one stretch of five games as the season winds down and the playoff race reaches its climax can ultimately decide the Blue Jackets’ fate.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will end February and begin March with undoubtedly the most difficult and important games of the season. Not only will the pressure of the playoffs be very high on the players’ minds, but as will the possibilities of trades with the trade deadline rapidly approaching. If the Blue Jackets can overcome the mental barriers at this point in the season, as well as the physical barriers that will come along with the games and escape with at least six points then it will be a success.
February 24, 2018 – vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time since the blockbuster Artemi Panarin/Brandon Saad trade took place on February 24. Although it will be the second and final game of the season between the two teams, it will be the first time Saad returns to Nationwide Arena and emotions are sure to run high.
Both teams will likely be competing for the top spot in their respective divisions at this point in the season, Columbus against Pittsburgh and Washington while Chicago battles Nashville. As a result, the two points at stake in this game could be a major factor in a team getting the first seed or dropping to a wild card spot. Expect this to be a close game all around, and potentially go into overtime; which would certainly soften the blow of an important loss.
If you’re looking for a game to go see, then you definitely will not want to miss this battle of attrition at Nationwide Arena.
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.
March 1, 2018 – @ Los Angeles Kings
It seems unlikely that many Columbus Blue Jackets fans have forgotten about former Blue Jacket Jeff Carter, considering the reaction he gets whenever he steps foot in Columbus. This has caused an always intense pseudo-rivalry between the Blue Jackets and Carter, which often leads to intense games.
However, that is not the only reason to beware of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are a team built very similarly to the Blue Jackets, only older. Both have an elite goaltender, a top level defensive corps and above average forward lines. It is not easy to deny that the forward corps developed by Dean Lombardi and built on by Rob Blake are better than the one assembled by Jarmo Kekalainen, however the Blue Jackets are beginning to reach that level.
Get ready for a few late nights Columbus, as once the Blue Jackets skates hit the ice in Los Angeles, the annual California road trip is officially underway.
March 2, 2018 – @ Anaheim Ducks
The Columbus Blue Jackets probably won’t be facing the Mighty Ducks from the 1992 movie, unless Bob Murray makes some massive roster moves, however it is definitely still going to be a challenge (at least they don’t have to worry about Fulton Reed’s slap shot).
Expect this game to have a significant level of grit to it as both teams have significant agitators such as Anaheim‘s Ryan Kesler and Corey Perry while the Blue Jackets will try to answer back with Brandon Dubinsky and Josh Anderson in that role. It is also possible that Jared Boll will start against his former team, which would be an unexpected dynamic and storyline to the game while also adding to the grit of it.
Unless Kevin Stenlund surprises everyone and makes the roster this upcoming season; this will also be the first time that the Blue Jackets visit Anaheim without a piece from the James Wisniewski trade back in 2015, having lost William Karlsson in the expansion draft to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Anaheim defensive corps is without a doubt one of the strongest in the league sk goals will be at a premium in this game, and it is definitely possible it becomes a 1-0 affair in either direction.
March 4, 2018 – @ San Jose Sharks
Typically when in California, it is a good idea to avoid Sharks at all times if possible and to not punch one in the face; however for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the rest of the NHL that usually is not an option. The league requires all teams to face 20 Sharks at least twice a season, however luckily for everyone involved it is not the sea animal.
The San Jose Sharks however, do often show the intensity of a shark that you will find in the sea; however it is usually a lot safer. Backed by 2017 Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns, the San Jose Sharks have a very good team with forwards such as Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski. Losing long-time player Patrick Marleau is certainly a setback, however his production can be replaced if they need to.
Closing out the California road trip is always a challenge for the Blue Jackets, considering it is a short stint in another time zone that is completed in four short days before having to return to Columbus. Luckily the Blue Jackets have a day off prior to the game at the SAP Center in San Jose, however the fatigue will still be in effect.
While the Sharks are likely not the best team the Blue Jackets will face in this stretch, they will be one of the hardest to defeat as it all draws to a close.
Next: Columbus Blue Jackets Line Combination Options with Artemi Panarin