Columbus Blue Jackets: Week of 11/14 to 11/19 Preview
By William Espy
The Columbus Blue Jackets will start their week tonight in Montreal and finish it at home against the New York Rangers on Friday night.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are in Montreal and are just hours away from starting their short two game week, however these two games could both be important in the long run. The Blue Jackets are 1-4-1 to start November after an outstanding October. The questions are starting to form in the minds of many Columbus Blue Jackets fans, and tonight needs to extend the current winning streak from one game to two games.
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While a two game winning streak is far from impressive, it is a much better result than a five game losing streak; and with the Blue Jackets looking for revenge against the division rival Rangers on Friday, this has all the makings of an intense week.
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Tonight’s game is important strictly due to the goaltending issues in Montreal since both their superstar starter Carey Price and backup Al Montoya are out of action for the time being. With that being said, rookie Charlie Lindgren has been stellar for the Canadiens, and the Blue Jackets’ struggling offensive and power play may not be able to turn his season around.
Friday’s game is going to be a physical, anger filled game for the Blue Jackets. Last time they played the New York Rangers, just over a week ago; it appeared that the Blue Jackets had the Rangers beaten, but it slipped away very quickly. Four third period goals for the Blue Shirts lifted them over the Blue Jackets, and the Jackets have been unable to recover fully from that game.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are still tied for second in the Metropolitan Division, however these two games could have long term effects either to help or hurt Columbus. Two wins will give the Blue Jackets more room to chase down the leading New Jersey Devils, two losses on the other hand and the Rangers, Penguins and even Islanders may be able to pass the Jackets in the standings.