The Blue Jackets should be rested and rejuvenated ahead of their game tonight. They have had three days off since losing 5-2 in Buffalo on Friday night, plenty of time to reset and prepare. This won't be an easy one, however, with the Florida Panthers coming to town.
Just when it felt like the Jackets were turning their season in the right direction, they laid an egg against the Sabres in their last game. This one always looked like it would be daunting if you looked at the calendar, so we really should not be surprised.
The real test comes tonight. They won't be able to use the "tired" excuse, and this team should be very motivated because the last time they played the Panthers, they got embarrassed on home ice. Tonight's game should give us a hint as to how the rest of this season might play out for the Jackets.
Meanwhile, their opponent comes into town hungry as well. They have lost their last two games, and have just one win in their last four. The Panthers sit at 9-7-2 on the season, pretty far off of their preferred pace. Lets take a look at three ways the Jackets might be able to keep them down tonight.
Avoid any special teams situations.
I may regret saying this, but at even strength: I like the Blue Jackets' chances to win this game. When they are rolling all four lines and playing confident hockey, they have proven that they can compete with the most elite teams in the league.
Florida has one of those elite teams, but one thing that must be avoided at all costs: giving them power-play chances. In their first meeting, the Panthers scored four goals in six extra man chances, blowing the game wide open.
In fact, that was their margin of victory. At 5 on 5, the Jackets actually won the game 3-2 if you exclude the late empty net goal. Obviously, they need to stay out of the box themselves; but I would also say that ruined power-play chances of their own could swing momentum the other way. Lets just keep this game 5 on 5, please.
Play with confidence.
You won't be able to tell by looking at the standings, but the Blue Jackets have been playing much better hockey over the last couple of weeks. Even in the games they lost, they have looked like a stronger team as opposed to a club without direction (excluding that Buffalo stinker).
If they come out and play hockey the way they did against Colorado and Dallas last week, they will give themselves a chance to win this game. We can even go back to their game in Carolina two weeks ago, where I thought they stood right in against the defending champs.
Just play CBJ hockey.
Shoot the puck.
The one area where I think this team needs to improve to score more goals is in the shooting department. Too often, we see them get the puck in high danger areas; then dish it off while trying for a pretty goal.
Florida does not have the best goaltending, so I think it's imperative to test them at every opportunity tonight. Fire the puck on net, even from poor angles. You never know what might happen.
There will be some lineup changes for the Blue Jackets, as Conor Garland will be out due to an undisclosed upper-body injury. If practice lines are any indication, Cam Talbot looks to be in line ot get the start in goal.
Tonight is the second of three matchups between these two teams this season, with their last game coming on March 30th. This one is a national broadcast via ESPN+, so make note of the 7:30 start time from Columbus. Lets go Jackets!
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