Game Preview 66: Phoenix Coyotes at Columbus Blue Jackets

We've been here before, actually. This is the first time this season--since last February, in fact--that the Blue Jackets can win three games in a row. They had a chance earlier several weeks back, but could not convert. The chance is there again against a suddenly-struggling Coyotes team. 11-0-1 in February, the Yotes are suddenly 0-3-0 in March, and are coming off a 2-1 loss in Pittsburgh last night.

Returning to Columbus tonight is centerman Antoine Vermette, traded to Phoenix just before the deadline. Vermy has no points and is -1 in six games since being moved. Missing from the lineup tonight is Rostislav Klesla. The other former Jackets--Raffi Torres, Gilbert Brule, and Ray Whitney--will be there.

For Columbus, Steve Mason is again in net, and Ryan Johansen is again looking to be the healthy scratch. I've no idea what he's done--or is not doing--to merit this treatment, but it is what it is.