:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10950823/136457990.0.jpg)
The Stats
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Nashville Predators | |||
| Record | 15-14-7 | 20th | 15-14-8 | 18th |
| GF/Game | 2.31 | 30th | 2.43 | 22nd |
| GA/Game | 2.58 | 13th | 2.54 | 11th |
| 5-on-5 SF/60 | 24.3 | 30th | 25.1 | 29th |
| 5-on-5 SA/60 | 30.0 | 22nd | 26.0 | 5th |
| Fenwick Close | 44.52 | 29th | 47.31 | 23rd |
| 5-on-5 Save % | .916 | 18th | .921 | 14th |
| 5-on-4 GF/60 | 4.3 | 28th | 6.4 | 15th |
| # of PP's/Gm | 3.56 | 10th | 3.135 | 24th |
| 4-on-5 GA/60 | 4.2 | 3rd | 8.0 | 27th |
| # of PK's/Gm | 3.11 | 5th | 3.14 | 7th |
The Blue Jackets are very much a work in progress, getting out-shot and out-scored consistently. Yes, they've been more competitive this season than has been typical of their history, but they still have a long ways to go.
So far this season the Preds have gone 1-1-1 against Columbus, with the most recent match coming on March 23, a 5-2 Predators triumph at Bridgestone Arena.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Fans in Columbus are justifiably excited over yesterday's trades, and they'll get a chance to watch their shiny new toy tonight as Marian Gaborik is expected to make his debut for the Blue Jackets.
What may have been bigger for Columbus, however, was getting rid of Steve Mason in goal, clearing the decks for Sergei Bobrovsky to carry the load down the stretch. Yes, the Predators ran him from the game back on March 23rd, but he still ranks 2nd in the NHL in save percentage these days:
Currently, the Jackets sit one point behind Nashville in the standings, but hold a game in hand - a regulation victory tonight would give them a leg up on a hated rival in their final season here in the Central Division.
Nashville Predators
Yesterday's moves leave the Predators with 21 players on the Active Roster, which includes Gabriel Bourque and Mike Fisher, who haven't skated recently due to injuries. Unless Fisher is ready to go, the Preds may need to recall Chris Mueller from Milwaukee in order to fill out the lines.
Of course, the next question is how those lines will look, and who steps into the top spot vacated by Martin Erat. One trio which may be building some momentum is that of Taylor Beck-David Legwand-Patric Hornqvist, which had a big game Tuesday night against Colorado. Legwand's effort lifted him into the team scoring lead, and with a history of solid production against the Blue Jackets (45 points in 59 career games vs Columbus), Nashville will look to Leggy to drive their playoff push:
Make sure to come back for more on tonight's game ahead of the 7:00 p.m. puck drop at Bridgestone Arena...