Game Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Los Angeles Kings
Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena, with a scheduled puck drop at 10 PM.
Current Standings
The Kings currently possess a record of 15 wins, 10 losses, and 9 overtime losses, placing them fourth in the Atlantic Division with 42 points. In contrast, the Blue Jackets sit at eighth in the Metropolitan Division, earning 34 points with a record of 14 wins, 15 losses, and 6 overtime losses.
Recent Performance
Recent performance trends show that the Kings have been hovering around .500 with a record of 4-4-2 over their last 10 games, while the Blue Jackets have struggled, posting just 3 wins and 6 losses in the same period.
Statistical Indicators
The Blue Jackets’ power play operates at 18.8%, ranking them 18th among NHL teams, while their penalty kill is a notable weakness, standing at 72.9%, which is the lowest in the league at 30th. Offensively, Columbus has scored a total of 101 goals, landing them at 20th in the NHL, while defensively they have allowed a staggering 123 goals – the highest in the NHL.
The Kings, on the other hand, grapple with their own challenges on special teams, with a power play percentage of 14.6% – the worst in the league – and a penalty kill rate that stands at 79.8%, ranking them 20th. They have struggled offensively as well, scoring only 87 goals, the lowest in the league, but have been more solid defensively, allowing only 85 goals, which ranks them second in the NHL for fewest goals against.
Historical Matchup
In terms of their historical matchup, the Blue Jackets hold an all-time record against the Kings of 28 wins, 33 losses, 1 tie, and 7 overtime losses. They have been particularly challenged on the road against Los Angeles, with a record of just 10-22-1-2. Of note, the home team has remained undefeated in regulation across their last 8 encounters, with a record of 6-0-2. Last season, Columbus managed a split against the Kings, going 1-1. Interestingly, Columbus has successfully killed off 20 out of the last 23 power plays they faced from Los Angeles.
Key Players
Spotlighting key players, Kings forward Adrian Kempe leads his team with 13 goals, 17 assists, and a total of 30 points. Meanwhile, goaltender Darcy Kuemper boasts a record of 10-6-6 with a .917 save percentage, although his last appearance was on December 15. In the backup role, Anton Forsberg, who previously played for the Blue Jackets, has a record of 5-4-3 and a .901 save percentage, with his most recent start on December 18.
For the Blue Jackets, defenseman Zach Werenski has accumulated 7 points across 14 career games against Los Angeles, while Boone Jenner has tallied 6 points in his last 17 matchups against them. Injuries are impacting Columbus, with Erik Gudbranson out for 27 games due to an upper body injury and Mathieu Olivier also on IR. Wood’s status remains unclear after missing one game.
Broadcast Information
Tonight’s game can be viewed on the FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK, where Bob Wischusen will cover play-by-play commentary. Fans can also tune into the radio broadcast on 97.1 THE FAN, where Bob McElligott will provide the play-by-play action. For those keen on Blue Jackets news, consider subscribing to The Hockey News for the latest updates and analysis.
