The Blue Jackets and Ducks finish off their four game season series at Nationwide tonight, and the Jackets are pushing for a rarity: a season series win (there are actually a few teams against whom the Jackets could pull off this accomplishment, though the Ducks are the first). As bad as everything has been all season, the fact that they could actually take three of four from another team in their conference is kind of mind-boggling.
The Ducks, however, are still pushing to be in playoff contention as the trading deadline nears, so they will have some extra juice for this game. The Ducks are also the more rested club, having last played on Friday in Detroit and therefore having been in Columbus last night resting while the Jackets were up in Minnesota beating the Wild 3-1.
Columbus got James Wisniewski back last night, and also got a stellar performance (remember those?) from Steve Mason. Given the short turn-around and the injury to Curtis Sanford, the goaltending situation is one to watch tonight. The last time Mason saw the Ducks, they pummeled him and ultimately pushed Scott Arniel out the door as head coach.
Columbus won without their best effort last night, thanks in large part to Mason’s play. They also, however, scored a Power Play goal for the fourth straight game, dating back to their last matchup with Anaheim. It would be nice to see the improved play of the PP unit continue.
At any rate, strap yourselves in and let’s see if the Jackets can notch a positive benchmark amidst a season of negatives!