Upcoming Matchup: Blue Jackets vs. Capitals
The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in an upcoming matchup. Currently, the Capitals have a mixed record of 5 wins, 4 losses, and 1 overtime defeat in their last 10 encounters. However, they have stumbled, losing three times in their past six games, including a setback against the Tampa Bay Lightning last Saturday.
Current Standings
Presently, the Capitals rank 7th in the Metropolitan Division, 12th in the Eastern Conference, and sit at 23rd overall in the NHL. Despite their struggles, a matchup against the Blue Jackets can be tricky for the Caps, who historically perform well at home.
Special Teams Struggles
Both teams have struggled with their special teams, which sets the stage for an intense battle at even strength. Physicality will be key, especially with the likes of Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin on the ice, who could dominate if the Blue Jackets aren’t vigilant.
Statistical Overview
Examining the stats, the Blue Jackets’ power play is ranked 22nd in the league, converting 17.7% of their chances, while their penalty kill sits at a lowly 28th, managing to stop 74.1% of opposing power plays. Offensively, Columbus has scored 65 goals (20th in the NHL) but has also conceded 70 goals, placing them 24th defensively.
In contrast, the Capitals have a 14.7% success rate on the power play, landing them 27th, and their penalty kill is slightly worse at 29th with a 71.8% effectiveness. Washington has scored 71 goals, putting them 8th in the league, while allowing 60 goals for 9th overall in defense.
Historical Context
Historically, the Blue Jackets hold a 21-27-1-10 record against the Capitals and only 10-14-1-4 on the road. They have fared somewhat better recently, with a record of 6-5-1 in their last 12 games at Capital One Arena. Last season, Columbus went 2-1-1 against Washington, but the Capitals claimed victory in their first meeting this season with a commanding 5-1 win on October 24th.
Key Players to Watch
Key players to watch for the Capitals include Tom Wilson, leading the team with 11 goals and 21 points, and Alex Ovechkin, who has notched 10 goals thus far. Dylan Strome and John Carlson each contribute by providing 15 assists. In net, Logan Thompson has an 8-6-1 record with a .910 save percentage but will be looking to rebound after a tough outing against Tampa. Charlie Lindgren adds depth with 3 wins but a lower save percentage of .889.
For the Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski has a notable history of success against the Capitals, tallying 20 points in 26 career games against them, and Sean Monahan also performed well in previous encounters, recording 17 points over 22 games. Columbus is currently dealing with injuries to defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who has missed 14 games due to an upper-body issue, and Boone Jenner, also sidelined with an upper-body injury for the last six games.
How to Follow the Game
Tonight’s contest can be tracked on the FanDuel Sports Network, with Steve Mears calling the play-by-play. Fans can also tune into 97.1 The Fan for the radio coverage featuring Bob McElligott. Stay informed about the Blue Jackets by following the latest updates and joining the conversation on their social media channels and community forums.
