The Blue Jackets will look to build upon the strong game they played in Dallas on Saturday, tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. The new month and nearly fully healthy roster gives this team a chance at a fresh start.
I thought the Jackets played one of their most complete games of the season on Saturday, it was just a shame that they couldn't find one more goal in the third period. On the road and against an elite opponent, that was a very encouraging effort.
They face a similar type of opponent tonight. The Avalanche have won three games in a row, now at 9-5-1 on the season, with the league's fourth best goal differential (+18). This is another elite team, though the Blue Jackets do have one advantage: their opponent played in Chicago last night, beating the Blackhawks 5-2.
The Avalanche are the best offensive team in the NHL, averaging 4.27 goals per game. They have 5 players scoring at a point-per-game pace or better, including their leading scorer Nathan MacKinnon, who is tied for 4th in the NHL in scoring with 25 points. They have star power and depth both up front and on defense, which will be tough to match up against.
Still, they play these games for a reason. Anything can happen. Lets look at three ways the Blue Jackets can stop the Avalanche tonight.
Play the full 60.
With two days off and taking on a team that played less than 24 hours ago, the Blue Jackets have the rest advantage. There is no excuse for tired legs on the home side, and if they can compete for the full 60 minutes, they can win this game.
I thought they did that in Dallas on Saturday, though a couple of sluggish plays in the first period cost them the win. They can't make those same mistakes tonight, if they can weed them out and bring that same effort, I like their chances.
Win the physical matchup.
It would be crazy to say that the Blue Jackets can beat the Avalanche by out-skating them, but one area where they might have an advantage: physically. Colorado wants to play a fast game, using their speed and skill to drive the play.
If the Jackets can win the physical matchup, that will help them slow down the attack. That means working hard on the forecheck, clogging up the neutral zone, and making the front of their own net an uncomfortable place to hang out. A big hit here and there wouldn't hurt, either.
For the love of God, score some goals.
If you take away Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski, and Charlie Coyle; no other Blue Jacket has more than 6 points on the season.
This isn't a young team at this point. There is no excuse for the veterans on this roster to be off to such a poor start, and the only way this team's fate is changing is if they get things moving.
The lines have been shuffled again, with more of an emphasis on offense from the second line tonight. There is no more runway here, this has to start clicking now; otherwise, it's going to be a long night at Nationwide.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 Eastern time, and the home team will be wearing their Hometown Remix kits. This is the first of two matchups between these teams this season, the other coming in Denver in February. Let's go Jackets!
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