Let’s not sugar coat this, the Jackets have their work cut out for them tonight. The Canucks are hot, very hot, right now, winning nine of their last ten games. Columbus will need to make the most of every powerplay, and will need to avoid taking penalties themselves.
The biggest story for tonight’s game remains Steve Mason– the team’s franchise goaltender will make his first start in almost a month. How the team in front of him responds to him being back in the cage remains to be seen, but Mason has had a lot of time to work with goaltending coach Ian Clark. There’s no denying the fact that Mason will need to be strong tonight against the Canucks.
Look for Dane Byers to come out banging bodies tonight, looking to make an impact after being called up from Springfield yesterday.