The Blue Jackets don’t get much time to savor last night’s win, as they’re right back at it tonight against the Sharks. San Jose is one of the league’s hottest teams right now, and the Jackets played them well just a few games ago out in California. Columbus also looked like a team refreshed last night, skating fast and setting up glorious scoring chances most of the night against Phoenix.
However, this is a completely different animal. The Sharks are more rested, having spent the night in Columbus preparing for tonight’s game. The Sharks are playing stifling defense right now. The Sharks have only lost once in regulation in 14 games.
In short, Columbus is going to have to bring their full-on, 60-minute A-game to win tonight. And, to this point in the season, no one really knows if such a game exists for the Jackets.
Derick Brassard looks to continue his improved play after having his best game of the season last night. He centers the top line again, and looks to continue his chemistry with Rick Nash. The second line of Tomas Kubalik, Antoine Vermette, and Ryan Johansen looked good last night, with Kubalik getting his first NHL goal. They’re going to have to again contribute on the score sheet for the Jackets.
If Columbus can put together another great game tonight, it will go a long way toward the ongoing rebuilding process of this team’s psyche. Here’s hoping…