Game #7 preview, the Blue Jackets look to capitalize against a Metropolitan Division foe

The Blue Jackets will get back to the grind tonight, as they host the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena.

After a big win in Dallas on Tuesday night, the team should be well rested after two days off. This is an important Metropolitan Division matchup, one that I expect to be a good gauge for this team's progress early in the season.

The Capitals should also be well rested. They have also been off since Tuesday night, which was a 4-1 victory at home against the Seattle Kraken.

The Opponent

Once again, the Caps are off to a strong start this season. They own a 5-2-0 record (10 points), with a +8 goal differential. They have not lost on the road thus far.

Part of the reason for their road success is their playstyle. Head coach Spencer Carbery has molded one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams into a capable defensive unit.

As a result, they can control the pace of the game on both sides of the puck. That has the effect of taking home crowds out of it.

When they do bend, it's awful hard to break them. Goaltender Logan Thompson has turned into one of the league's most reliable starters, and he boasts a stingy 1.60GAA so far this season.

Up front, the usual suspects are still around. Led by Alexander Ovechkin, the Caps boast a deep attack that includes Dylan Strome, and Aliaksei Protas; and talented blue liners such as John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun.

With all of those names aside, they are led in scoring by none other than Tom Wilson, who has 4 goals and 10 points to start the season.

The Good Guys

The Jackets are anticipating the return of Erik Gudbranson to the lineup tonight. He's coming off of an upper body injury, having missed the last four games. Couldn't ask for a better time to get the big, rugged defenseman back.

With that change, it sounds like Jake Christiansen will come out of the lineup. Tough break for Jake, who honestly has not looked out of place on that third defense pairing.

Guddy practiced alongside Dante Fabbro yesterday, which means the Jackets will keep the top pairing as it was for the last couple of games. Zach Werenski and Denton Mateychuk have been a fantastic pairing. I'll be interested to see if they can keep up their stellar play.

Up front, it doesn't sound like any changes are coming, though Miles Wood is nearing a return from the cut that happened near his eye. This gives Yegor Chinakhov a chance to build on the very strong game he had in Dallas on Tuesday.

In goal, the goaltending rotation continues. That means Jet Greaves will get the start at home tonight.

Three Keys to Success

1. Come out swinging. The Caps are big. They are physical, and if they get the lead they will lock down the neutral zone. The Jackets have to match their physicality and have a quick start tonight.

2. Special teams momentum. The Jackets were perfect on both sides of the special teams battle Tuesday night, and won the game because of it. The Caps have long had an elite power-play, so building off of their success in Dallas is crucial for the CBJ.

3. Don't concede 900. Alex Ovechkin needs just two goals to become the first player in NHL history to score 900 goals. I do not want to see that happen at Nationwide Arena.

Puck drop is at 7:00 from Nationwide Arena. You can catch the game via FDSN-Ohio, ESPN+, or tune in via NHL radio.