Game #34 preview, Blue Jackets hope to spoil the Wild parade

The Blue Jackets will look to win their second game in a row tonight, as they host the Minnesota Wild at Nationwide Arena. It will be the second and final matchup between these two teams this season, with the first game being a 7-4 CBJ win in Minnesota back on October 7th.

The Jackets are coming into this one on a positive note after winning 4-3 in overtime over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. That snapped a 5-game losing skid, but still left us with a lot more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, the Wild are the talk of the league after acquiring Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks last week. They have won 5 games in a row, including all 3 since that trade was announced.

The Opponent

The Wild are red hot despite a rash of injuries that has hit their lineup. Particularly on the blue line, where they are without four veteran contributors.

Still, their last two games have been won by a combined 11-2 differential-both over teams currently well inside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They sit 4th in the NHL, with a 20-9-5 record (45 points). Here's how they will line up tonight:

The Wild are now led by three of the game's most elite players. Kirill Kaprizov sits third in the NHL in goal scoring (21) through 34 games. He's tied with Matt Boldy for a share of the Wild lead in scoring, with 38 points apiece.

Joining them is Hughes, who is one of the game's most elite defensemen. In fact, it's between him and Zach Werenski for the title of best American born defender in the NHL right now.

In two games since his shocking acquisition, he has 2 points (1 goal), and has seamlessly jumped into their lineup, playing in nearly 27 and 30 minutes in those games.

The Wild have the 4th ranked defense in the NHL, allowing just 2.53 goals per game, and a suddenly sparked offense that has been electrifying since the big trade.

Overall, this is a very balanced team, mixed with veterans and young standouts alike. They have skill and depth at every position, including in goal; where Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt have been terrific over the last few weeks.

Tonight, the Jackets will face the rookie Wallstedt, who is 9-1-2 on the season, with a dazzling .921% save percentage, 1.95 goals against average, and 4 shutouts in 12 starts. He's never faced the Jackets in his career.

The Good Guys

After their win on Tuesday, the Blue Jackets will come into tonight's game with only one lineup change-and it was forced because Brendan Gaunce has left the team to be with his expecting wife.

Zach Aston-Reese comes into the lineup in his place, which moves Isac Lundestrom back into the middle of the fourth line:

In goal, Jet Greaves gets another start. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start every game before the Christmas break, since there are no back-to-backs.

One thing to watch for: will Minnesota try to exploit the weak side shot, as his last two opponents did? It's something he's going to have to adjust and dial in quickly, or this season might go way off the rails for this team.

Three Keys to Success

1. Hold on. When the Wild have the puck, it's going to be an adventure tonight. It's important for the Blue Jackets to pressure hard while staying in their structure defensively. The old "bend, don't break" routine.

2. A rare special teams opportunity? The Wild are an elite team, but their special teams units rank 9th (power-play) and 22nd (penalty kill). They are pedestrian here, so the Jackets could make some noise in these situations.

3. Take advantage of their beleagured defense. The Wild are icing three very inexperienced blueliners tonight, which means heavy minutes for Brock Faber, Quinn Hughes, and Jared Spurgeon. None of them are big guys, so the Jackets need to cycle pucks early and try to wear them out.

Puck drop is scheduled for shortly after 7:00 Eastern Time from Nationwide. Let's go Jackets.