The Blue Jackets will look to build upon their biggest win of the season tonight, as they host the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. This is the second and final meeting between these two teams this season, and it comes just 5 days after the first matchup.
Revenge will be on the mind of the Jackets, who lost 3-1 in that game, despite playing one of their best games of the season. The game was decided by inches, with almost every bounce going the way of the Stars. It happens.
The Jackets rebounded and won big on Tuesday, pounding the Colorado Avalanche by a 7-2 final. It was an exciting night in Columbus, but while the Avs and Stars are both elite teams, they could not be more different in their play styles. We expect a tighter checking game tonight. Lets take a look at our three keys to success.
Avoid the little mistakes.
Offense isn't likely going to come easy tonight, so it's important for the Blue Jackets understand that this is going to be a different style of game. They need to stick with their plan and system for the entirety of it, and avoid giving the Stars any high danger chances.
That's what cost them last Saturday night. A half second late on the back-check resulted in the first goal. Sloppy, sluggish coverage led to the second goal late in the period. Dallas is going to be content sitting back and slowing this game to a crawl, then trying to quick strike with their skill at the other end.
Essentially, that's exactly how the Jackets need to play, as well. Let this one be a snoozer, because trying to open it up is probably going to result in getting burned. There is too much talent on the other side, and the Stars are going to play the right way.
Take advantage of their mistakes.
As much as Dallas wants to play responsible defense-first hockey, they are going to make a mistake here and there. That's the other thing that cost the Jackets on Saturday: they could not bear down and find that game tying goal.
They had chances. Part of their lack of success was Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. But, I thought they needed to be just a little bit quicker, and maybe a little more selfish. I would love to see some more killer instinct tonight. Someone has to step up and score the big goal.
Let the confidence grow.
The Jackets broke out on Tuesday night, but lets be honest here: they scored pretty easily. Still, they need to let that confidence carry over and start to build something off of it. Keep playing the right way, and don't get frustrated if things don't go their way early tonight.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 Eastern time. We'll see what kind of lineup changes we get, with Danton Heinen and Emil Andrae both hitting waivers yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile, Cam Talbot looks to be in line to get his second consecutive start in goal. Let's go Jackets!
Add us as a preferred source on Google