Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for their second match of a challenging five-game road series, set to face off against the Calgary Flames tonight. This game presents a significant opportunity for the Jackets, but caution is necessary as they might find themselves in a classic “trap game.” The Flames are struggling at the bottom of the NHL standings with a mere eight points, struggling recently with a 2-6-2 record over their last ten outings. However, they did clinch a victory against the Philadelphia Flyers last Sunday, which may add a touch of momentum as they take the ice this evening.
Team Challenges and Key Players
Historically, the Blue Jackets have found it difficult to compete in Western Canada, regardless of the opposing team’s performance. Columbus head coach Dean Evason has raised concerns about the availability of young defenseman Denton Mateychuk, who is currently dealing with an injury. If he is unable to play, defenseman Dysin Mayo, who was recently called up to replace the injured Erik Gudbranson, could make his debut with the Blue Jackets.
Every point is crucial for Columbus as they strive to solidify their standing in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference, where only six points separate eight teams. The Metropolitan Division is equally tight, with only five points separating multiple teams; hence, securing a win against the Flames is vital.
Statistical Overview
Analyzing the statistics, the Blue Jackets currently rank 23rd in the NHL for power plays with an efficiency rate of 16.7%. They are even lower in penalty killing, sitting at 30th with a 66.7% success rate. Offensively, the Jackets have netted 39 goals thus far, ranking them 19th, while defensively, they have allowed 36 goals, ranking 11th.
Conversely, the Flames have faced challenges in their performance metrics, including a power play conversion of just 13.5%, placing them 29th, and a penalty kill percentage of 77.4%, which ranks 18th. They have scored only 30 goals this season, putting them at the bottom of the league, and their goals against total stands at 47, positioning them 26th.
Historical Matchup
Looking at the franchises’ previous encounters, Columbus boasts a historical advantage with a record of 36 wins, 25 losses, and 8 overtime losses against Calgary, including a balanced 15-15 in away games. Recent match-ups have favored the Jackets, who have emerged victorious in nine of their last fourteen meetings with the Flames. Last season, the two teams split their games, with Columbus holding a favorable 4-1-1 record in their last six confrontations.
Key Players to Watch
Key players to watch for the Flames include Blake Coleman, who leads the team in goals with five, and Nazem Kadri, who tops the Flames with ten total points. Additionally, goaltender Dustin Wolf has been busy, starting 12 of the team’s 14 games, though his record sits at 3-8-1 with an 84.4% save percentage.
For the Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski continues to shine against Calgary with 11 points in 14 meetings, while Sean Monahan also has 11 points against his former team. Charlie Coyle contributes as well with 14 points over 33 games against the Flames. Currently, the team’s total man games lost due to injuries stands at 13, with Erik Gudbranson still sidelined due to an upper-body injury.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch tonight’s game on the FanDuel Sports Network with play-by-play commentary provided by Steve Mears. The broadcast will also be available on local radio station 97.1 The Fan, featuring Bob McElligott.
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