Columbus Blue Jackets: Massive Metro Matchup in Philadelphia
A massive four point matchup in Philadelphia tonight for the Columbus Blue Jackets as they take on the Flyers.
The standings are tight an the stakes are high. The push to the playoffs for the Columbus Blue Jackets reach a pivotal moment tonight as they face the Philadelphia Flyers at 7pm. While much of the sports world will have their eyes on March Madness, the hockey world will have their eyes on the City of Brotherly Love.
The Jackets sit just two points behind the Flyers for the final Metro spot in the playoffs. With a win tonight by more than two goals they will overtake the Flyers for the final guaranteed spot from the Metropolitan Division.
The significance of this game can not be overstated. It is one of three games against Metro opponents. It is one of three games left against a team fighting for its playoff life. Between this game and the matchup against the Panthers next week, the Columbus Blue Jackets can determine their playoff fate.
Or they will be relegated to their fate being out of their own hands.
Jones in the Lineup
A big boost for the Jackets will be Seth Jones starting in the lineup. The Norris trophy candidate was held out of the third period of Monday’s game against Montreal. He hasn’t practiced since as an “upper body” injury was nagging Jones.
Along with Jones will be Markus Nutivaara staring in the d-corps. Nuti who filled in for an eternally injured Ryan Murray, played well enough to earn his second straight start since returning from injury.
Matt Calvert, who was sick on Monday, will also return to the lineup. This will bump Lukas Sedlak to a healthy scratch.
The Jackets have a huge advantage in goal with Sergei Bobrovksy starting. The Flyers Petr Mrazek. Mrazek has played well lately but is no Bobrovsky. Bob, facing his former team, needs to put forth another stellar performance for the Jackets.
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Tonight’s game will go a long way toward determining the Jackets postseason plans. A regulation win means a four point swing for the union blue. This is a must watch game at 7pm tonight.