Game #59 Preview: Blue Jackets look to bounce back at home as they host Rangers at Nationwide Arena

New York Rangers at Columbus Blue Jackets
Friday, February 14, 2020 – 7:00 EST
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
TV: Fox Sports Ohio – Radio: WBNS FM
Opponent’s Blog: Blue Shirt Banter

After last night’s loss in overtime to the Buffalo Sabres, the Columbus Blue Jackets return home tonight to take on the visiting New York Rangers. The Rangers are visiting on the second night of a back to back as they rallied from a two goal deficit on the road in Minnesota to beat the Wild.

After taking last night off, Elvis Merzlikins will get the start in net tonight.

Player to Watch

Chris Kreider

Kreider, playing top line left wing for the Rangers, has been heavily rumored to be on the trade block for much of the season. Kreider has showcased his scoring ability this season for a disappointing Rangers squad, scoring 22 goals in 54 games this season. According to The Athletic, eight teams are reportedly asking about Kreider. The good folks at Blue Shirt Banter wrote a piece about what a potential Kreider trade could look like. Check it out!

Jackets Notes

Nick Foligno is 2-9-11 in his last 30 games and took the penalty that allowed the Buffalo to tie the game on the power play last night … Liam Foudy picked up his first assist and first point of his NHL career last night, assisting on Boone Jenner’s goal … The Blue Jackets power play is 10 for its last 81, dating to December 1 … Markus Nutivaara’s game tying goal was his third of the season

With the primary assist on Nutivaara’s game-tying goal, Bjorkstrand has 6-2-8 in his last nine contests. He has a four-game point streak vs. the Sabres (3-1-4). #CBJ

— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) February 14, 2020

The Other Bench

Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 29-46-75 and would likely merit Hart Trophy consideration if the Rangers were in the playoff race … the Rangers, despite scoring over three goals per game, suffer on defense allowing over three per game … New York was obliterated in the faceoff circle last night by the Wild, winning just 32.9% of draws

Season Series

12/05/2019 NYR 3 @ CBJ 2
01/19/2020 CBJ 2 @ NYR 1
02/14/2020 NYR @ CBJ
03/24/2020 CBJ @ NYR

Stats

Projected Lineups