For the second time in five days (and second and final time this season), the Columbus Blue Jackets will take on the Chicago Blackhawks. Tonight's game at Nationwide Arena is the last matchup before the Olympic break for both teams.
The Jackets will look to empty out the tanks and beat the Hawks for the second time in a week. They have won six games in a row, and ten of their last eleven overall.
Last night, they played a near perfect road game against the Devils in New Jersey. Tonight, they need to put forth a similar defensive effort if they want to slow down the Blackhawks.
The Opponent
The Hawks have played just one game since they lost to the Jackets last Saturday night in Chicago. They beat the San Jose Sharks at home on Monday, by a 6-3 score.
Overall, they are 22-25-9 (53 points), 12th in the Western conference. But, as we mentioned before Saturday's matchup between these two teams: this is still an NHL team, and you have to be prepared.
The biggest task for the Jackets tonight will be slowing down the Connor Bedard line. That line torched them for both of Chicago's goals on Saturday, with Bedard finishing as the game's second star.
He leads the Hawks in scoring with 23 goals and 53 points, despite missing 13 games this season. He is one of the game's most elite young talents, and this year he has a little more help.
The Hawks will also have an emotional boost tonight, with NHL veteran and former CBJ captain Nick Foligno making his return after missing the last few games with an illness. We know Nick will bring everything he has, and try to drag this team into the fight tonight in Columbus.
In goal, Spencer Knight will get the start. He's 16-15-7 on the season, with a .909% save percentage and 2.61 goals against average. He was in net on Saturday as well, where he made 22 saves on 25 shots in a losing effort.
The Good Guys
The Jackets continue to be red hot under Rick Bowness. Whatever he's laying down, they are eating up. Since hiring him, the team has lost just one game.
it doesn't seem to matter who is in or out of the lineup. This team is finally playing the right way, which has resulted in a complete 180 degree turn in their season.
Tonight, they will look to win their seventh game in a row. If they can do so, they will find themselves entering the Olympic break just two points out of third in the Metropolitan Division.
On any given night, a different line has stepped up and led the way. Last night, it was the Charlie Coyle line with Cole Sillinger and Mathieu Olivier. Which, coincidentally, was the same line that led the way in Chicago on Saturday.
I'm sure that line is going to get a heavy dose of the Bedard line tonight, with Bowness having the last change.
Hopefully, that frees up the top line to do more of the good things they have not been able to do. It sounds like Kirill Marchenko might be back in tonight, which would be a huge boost for the home side.
#CBJ coach Rick Bowness said Kirill Marchenko’s availability tonight would be determined after he skates this morning. Certainly appears to pass the eye test. pic.twitter.com/RAu3QEGeZV
— Dave Maetzold (@DMaetzMedia) February 4, 2026
In goal, Jet Greaves gets the start. After Elvis Merzlikins got the shutout last night, he should be well motivated to get in and make a difference tonight.
Three Keys to Success
1. Contain #98. Connor Bedard gave the Jackets all they could handle on Saturday night. With the advantage of being able to match up tonight, they won't have any excuses for not slowing him down.
2. Play like you did last night. Last night was a 10/10, no notes kind of win on the road. There's no reason to venture away from that tonight. Take the fun out of the game for the opposition, and make them pay for any mistakes they make.
3. Empty the tanks. After tonight, the Jackets don't have another game until Thursday, 2/26. Everyone needs to throw everything they have in the tank into this game, so they can go out on a high note.
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 Eastern time from Nationwide tonight. If you are heading to the Arena, bring your loudest voice. Give this team the send-off they deserve.
If you aren't attending, be sure to tune in to the TV broadcast if you are able. Jeff Rimer will have the play-by-play tonight, filling in for Steve Mears while he does a national broadcast. Wherever you're watching from: Let's go Jackets!