Another big game for the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight in Quebec as they face the Montreal Canadiens.
It’s one of many reasons why we love the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL. Every game there are valuable points to be had and can result in big changes in the standings. Even more so when you are in the Metropolitan Division like the Jackets are.
The CBJ will make a trip up to Quebec and play the Montreal Canadiens who are in the middle of an eleven day home stand. The Habs are 8-9-1 and dealing with something they didn’t anticipate when they gave Carey Price a $10 million a year contract. The Vezina and Hart trophy winning goalie has been dealing with an injury since November 9th and will not play again tonight.
The injury has forced the Canadiens to pick up Antti Niemi off of waivers from Florida. This is the second time this season that Niemi has been picked up after being dropped from Pittsburgh. The Jackets should have a clear advantage in goal tonight with Sergei Bobrovsky expected to make the start in net.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Max Pacioretty comes in leading the Habs in scoring, as usual. The American captain of the hallowed franchise has 12 points this season along with Ryan Gallagher. Both have seven goals and five assist. They are tied with newly acquired Jonathan Drouin who was traded from Tampa this offseason.
Big Points in the East
The game is another big opportunity as the Metropolitan Division, and the Eastern Conference playoff picture, are very tight. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in second place in the division but are only three points ahead of the last place team in the Metro. One bad game could put the Jackets from a playoff spot to last in the division.
After only racking up three points in the last five games, the CBJ need to continue the momentum they grabbed in Detroit with a 2-1 shootout win. Back-to-Back wins against Eastern conference opponents are a necessity for this young Jackets team.
Next: Dirtiest Mouth on the CBJ
The matchup starts a bit later than normal so take note 5th liners. The puck drops at 7:30 eastern tonight in the Bell Centre. Bonne Chance to our Columbus Blue Jackets.