The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena. Detroit holds a 4-4-2 record in their last 10 encounters with Columbus but has struggled recently, dropping four of their last five games. However, they secured a victory against the Bruins in their most recent game on Tuesday.
On November 22, the Red Wings defeated the Blue Jackets after Columbus lost a 3-1 lead in the third period. The match went into overtime, where Detroit clinched the win with just 1 minute and 50 seconds remaining. The Blue Jackets’ previous game saw them win in New Jersey on Monday night in a physical contest totaling 74 penalty minutes. Despite falling behind 2-0 within the first three minutes, Columbus rallied with three goals in the third period to overturn the score and win the game, delivering the comeback fans love.
Currently, the Blue Jackets rank 8th in the Metropolitan Division, 13th in the Eastern Conference, and 19th overall in the NHL.
Blue Jackets stats:
– Power Play: 16.4% (23rd in NHL)
– Penalty Kill: 74.2% (28th in NHL)
– Goals Scored: 75 (24th in NHL)
– Goals Against: 84 (20th in NHL)
Red Wings stats:
– Power Play: 21.6% (11th in NHL)
– Penalty Kill: 79.5% (23rd in NHL)
– Goals Scored: 80 (14th in NHL)
– Goals Against: 92 (28th in NHL)
Series history against Detroit:
– Columbus holds an overall record of 48 wins, 52 losses, 1 overtime win, 15 overtime losses, and a home record of 27 wins, 24 losses, 1 overtime win, and 7 overtime losses.
– The Blue Jackets have 2 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties in their last 5 games versus the Red Wings.
– In their last 47 games, the Blue Jackets went 29-13-5.
Key players to watch for Detroit include Patrick Kane, who has amassed 88 points in 65 games against Columbus; Dylan Larkin, leading the team with 14 goals and 30 points; and Lucas Raymond, the team’s top assist provider with 20. Goaltenders Cam Talbot and John Gibson have respective records of 9-4-1 (.888 save percentage) and 5-7-1 (.868 save percentage), with their last starts on November 29 and December 2 respectively.
For Columbus, notable performers against Detroit include Zach Werenski with 22 points in 26 games, Charlie Coyle with 14 points in 31 games, and Sean Monahan with 17 points in 22 games.
Injuries for the Jackets include Erik Gudbranson (upper body, 18 games missed, no return date), Boone Jenner (upper body, 10 games missed, possible return this week), Mathieu Olivier (upper body, 3 games missed, no return date), and Kirill Marchenko (lower body, day-to-day, 4 games missed). The team has lost a total of 47 man games due to injuries.
Tonight’s game will be available for live streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu, with commentary by John Buccigross. The radio broadcast on 97.1 FM will feature Bob McElligott.
Fan Take: This matchup highlights the resilience and competitive spirit of both teams, with the Blue Jackets looking to capitalize on home ice to improve their standings. Hockey fans should watch closely as these games often bring intense, hard-fought moments that can shape playoff hopes and deepen the rivalry between these two Central Division foes.
