Final game of the year- most of the bottom six is out with injuries, ditto for half of the defense. That said, the team is at home to close out the season, and look to go out on a high note. Rick Nash is back, and Steve Mason is in net. I don't care either way what the outcome is, I would just like an entertaining game before I cancel my Center Ice Package tomorrow.

Looks like Mase is a go tonight after all. Historically he's played well against the Caps, but he's in tough tonight. The Caps are dangerous on so many levels, and the defense is front of Mase may not be up to the task tonight. They are without Klesla, Hejda and now Russell.

As I've said before, I enjoy watching Eastern Conference teams. Washington is no exception. They have so many weapons, and who doesn't enjoy watching Ovechkin do his thing?

There are some changes to my lineups in the preview from earlier today- Ryan Malone is out for the Bolts and the Jackets are going with a fourth line consisting of Trevor Frischmon, Michael Blunden and Tomas Kana. As i mentioned before, I am excited to see what Kana can do. He'll be a steal if he can prove to be valuable.

This should be an exciting game- I look for Zenon Konopka to make a statement against Columbus, with Jared Boll out will we see Dors and Konopka go at it?

I'm sticking to my prediction that the Jackets will show extreme character tonight and prevent the Blackhawks from getting revenge. That said, the Blackhawks are a fantastic team and have the ability to put their own beat on Columbus. With the added stability of Niemi in net, the Jackets are in tough.

A victory tonight for the Jackets would be nothing more than a moral one, but it would go a long way in building confidence in the young players. Derick Brassard and especially Jake Voracek have looked great lately, for them to lead the way in a victory against one of the top teams in the league is nothing but a bonus. There is that other elephant in the room however, the elephant that says that the more the Jackets win down this meaningless stretch, the further away from a lottery pick they are.

The storyline going into this game isn't about fighting for a playoff spot, rivalries, or anything else like that. It's about goaltender Steve Mason facing off against his boyhood idol Martin Brodeur for the first time. The Devils are looking to defeat the Jackets, and gain a valuable two points in their chase for the top spot in the Atlantic Division.

I wonder if Mase will outshine Marty tonight?

Obviously this will be a tough one for Columbus, as they have struggled against Nashville for seemingly their entire existence. The Jackets will likely be without Derek Dorsett tonight, and if he can't play Trevor Frischmon will get his first taste of NHL action. The Jackets will also be tired after playing a game last night, a 4-2 win over Minnesota.

Rick Nash is back, Matty Garon is in net playing behind a shorthanded defense. How will this game end up? I smell a close game, one that could come down to goaltending. Garon vs. Harding could be the story tonight.

This will likely be one of those ugly, out-hussle-your-opponent style games. The Jackets are without two-thirds of their top line, and they will need to play an air-tight style against the Blues. I believe this game will come down to special teams and goaltending. (Crazy concept, i know).

I look for Russ and the Brass line to step up. They absolutely have to. If they don't, we're closer to Taylor Hall. That's not such a bad thing however....

No Nasher tonight, but Juice is back. Chris Chelios is back in the NHL- will he try to make a statement? Garon goes in nets tonight again after looking spectacular on Tuesday against the Ducks. It's hard to say what kind of game this will be tonight- my guess is a high-scoring affair. Hopefully the result will be in Columbus' favor.