The Blue Jackets are back in action this evening in Washington, just over 24 hours after another frustrating loss. They hope to find two points against the first place team in the Metropolitan Division.
This is one of those games where it feels like this team will get to test its mettle. It would be hard to fault them for emptying out the emotional tanks yesterday, but this group is supposed to be more mature and built to weather those kind of outcomes.
Tonight, they face a Washington Capitals team that is coming off of a loss of their own, but with a day of rest in between.
The Opponent
The Capitals sit atop the Metro with a 17-9-3 record (37 points). They are just five points ahead of the Jackets, but with six other teams sitting between them.
Washington has been red hot, losing just once in regulation in their last 10 games (8-1-1). This is a veteran laden team that is extremely well coached, as we have seen in the first two matchups against the Jackets this season.
Both games ended with a 5-1 final score in favor of the Caps. The first one was a little bit closer than the score might have indicated, but the last time these two faced off was every bit a blowout win for the Capitals.
They fall back on a strict defensive structure, especially when they can play with the lead. Then, they like to strike quickly in transition or with the extra man. It's a formula that works quite well.
Basically, they are what the Blue Jackets aspire to be. Maybe in a few years.
Up front, they are led in scoring by Tom Wilson, who has 17 goals and 31 points in 29 games. He's been outstanding for them this season, as he eyes a spot on Team Canada at the upcoming Olympic games.
Aside from the rugged winger, they still have the game's most prolific goal scorer of all-time, Alex Ovechkin. He's second in both goals (14) and points (29); while defenseman Jakob Chychrun is having a career year and sitting third on the team in points (24).
In goal, the Caps will roll out Logan Thompson. He's also a team Canada hopeful, and currently boasts a sparkling 2.06 goals against average and .919% save percentage.
There are a few injuries to report, with both forward Ryan Leonard and backup goaltender Charlie Lindgren hitting IR today. They join former Jacket Pierre-Luc Dubois, while defenseman John Carlson is listed as day to day.
The Good Guys
The Jackets will use the same lineup that played in Florida yesterday, with the only change coming in goal. Jet Greaves gets the start for the first time in 8 days.
He should be well rested, and hopefully there are no signs of rust. The Jackets will likely need him to be sharp right from puck drop tonight.
I thought the team played fine yesterday in Florida, but were hampered by momentum swings, special teams, and some dodgy goaltending. If they can come out and find six goals against this Washington team, they should be in good shape.
Let's not hold our breath waiting for that to happen.
Three Keys to Success
1. Do not let them get ahead. I mentioned it earlier: it's really hard to come back against this team. If Washington gets a lead, they will stack up the neutral zone and slog this game down. Then score in transition. That's been the formula that blew open the first two matchups with the Jackets this season.
2. Find the legs and keep them for 60 minutes. It's never easy to play in a back-to-back, especially with travel. But every team has to do it, so it's no excuse. The Jackets need two regulation points in a big way, or this gap may be too wide to bridge as the season wears on. Metro division points are crucial.
3. Play this game at 5 on 5. We don't want to see the Capitals get any power-play chances tonight. Their PK is basically not usable right now. It's best for the Blue Jackets to play this game at even strength.
A rare Sunday night game should be interesting. You can catch this one via Fan Duel Sports Network, ESPN+, or tune in to NHL Radio. Give us a follow over on X for live reactions (@unionandblue). Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 7:00 Eastern.