Game #57 preview, Blue Jackets get back to the grind in Boston

The Olympic break is over, which means that for the first time in more than three weeks, it's a Blue Jackets gameday. They are in Boston to take on the Bruins tonight.

While it will be tough to top the excitement of the Olympic hockey tournament, the 5th Line is geared up for the stretch run. That's because our Jackets have clawed their way back into the playoff race, and will look to continue to work their way up the standings.

That task begins tonight, as they face a team that they are in direct competition with for a playoff spot. There are four points on the board tonight in Bean Town. This game is crucial for both sides.

The Opponent

The Bruins lost their last two games before the break, both in a shootout. They sit at 32-20-5 (69 points), 4 points ahead of the Blue Jackets with one more game played.

Simple math lays out the implications of this game. If the Jackets win in regulation, they are 2 points back of the Bruins with a game in hand-essentially, tied in the standings. If the Bruins win, well, it becomes a little bit tougher for the Jackets.

It's not a make or break game for the entire season for either team. But, I know both sides will want to win this one, preferably in regulation.

The Bruins continue to win hockey games, despite the loss of most of the core that led them through a very successful stretch of hockey in the 2010s and up until last year. Gone are names like Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, but they have still found a way to tread water and continue to compete.

Up front, they are led by one of the last remaining holdovers. David Pastrnak is one of the NHL's most elite scoring wingers. He has 22 goals and 71 points in 52 games this season, pacing the B's by 17 points, while sitting 6th in the league in scoring.

Morgan Geekie went from the waiver wire to an elite goal scorer in Boston. He leads the way in goals with 32 (t-3rd in the NHL). Suffice to say, stopping these two is vital for the Blue Jackets and their chance of success tonight in Boston.

On defense is Charlie McAvoy, who returns from Milan after playing alongside Minnesota's Quinn Hughes as half of team USA's top defense pair. And, team USA backup goaltender Jeremy Swayman tends the crease for the Bruins.

Good news, the Jackets will avoid Swayman. Instead they'll face a familiar foe: Joonas Korpisalo.

Outside of those four, there is a fairly significant drop-off in skill in Boston, though they did have a lot of Olympians. There isn't much in the way of scoring, but they have a lot of experience and play a solid two-way game. I expect them to give the Jackets all they can handle tonight.

The Good Guys

The Jackets return to action as the NHL's hottest team. Their current 7-game winning streak sent them into the break at 29-20-7, just 4 points back of the wild card Bruins, as well as the New York Islanders for 3rd in the Metro.

While three weeks off in the middle of a big winning streak may not be ideal, for this team, I think it was a much needed break. At the end of their last game, I thought their standard of play started to slip a little bit. And, they were banged up, with a few guys definitely looking a step behind.

So, I'm excited to see how they look tonight. I expect them to be refreshed, energetic, and ready to take on any comers down the stretch. This fanbase needs this team to scrap their way into the playoffs, and I think they can do it.

The Jackets had just two players play in Milan: Elvis Merzlikins for team Latvia, and Zach Werenski for team USA. Neither of them played in a prime role for their respective country, so I expect both of them to come in strong as well.

Elvis will get the start in goal tonight. Everything else looks to be what we would expect:

With the rest, we are going to be treated to a fully healthy lineup for the first time in a long time. Maybe the first time since the beginning of the season. Let's see what these guys can do.

Three Keys to Success

1. Straight into the intensity. With three weeks off, it's going to feel like the start of a new season for these guys. But, they have no time to dip their toes in. The Jackets have to get right back to playing the way they were before the break.

2. Slow down their stars. I won't say that the Bruins are a one line team, because there are a lot of really good players on that roster. But, if the Jackets can slow down Pastrnak and Geekie, they will have an easier go of things.

3. CBJ hockey. Rick Bowness had this team playing his system before the break. As a result, their last two games were shutouts. That style is their formula for success, and they need to play that way regardless who the opponent is.

Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 Eastern time tonight from Boston. Let's go Jackets!