Blue Jackets Aim for Victory Against Visiting Canucks
The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for a crucial match against the Vancouver Canucks at Nationwide Arena. Both teams have faced challenges this season, making this game pivotal for their respective standings.
Columbus Blue Jackets Roster Updates
Columbus is dealing with several injuries that could affect their performance. Key players include:
- F Mason Marchment: Upper body injury, week-to-week.
- F Miles Wood: Lower body injury, week-to-week.
- D Erik Gudbranson: Upper body injury, recently returned to practice.
- F Isac Lundeström: Lower body injury, week-to-week.
- D Brendan Smith: Recovering from knee surgery, out for three to four months as of January 8.
Zach Aston-Reese, Denton Mateychuk, Dysin Mayo, and Egor Zamula are also expected to miss the game. However, Gudbranson is set to make his long-awaited return to the roster.
Recent Performance and Milestones
Zach Werenski has been a standout player, notching points in 11 of his last 12 games. In total, he has scored eight goals in his last ten games, placing him first among NHL defensemen in goals.
Boone Jenner is one assist shy of reaching 200 in his NHL career. This milestone would put him in elite company within the franchise.
Vancouver Canucks Overview
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling this season, currently sitting last in the NHL standings with 37 points. They average 2.63 goals per game, ranking 27th, and their scoring defense is even less favorable at 3.59 per game, placing them 31st overall.
Key Players and Recent Moves
The Canucks have also faced significant setbacks. Star defenseman Quinn Hughes was traded to Minnesota, prompting a shift in the team’s future strategy. Their leading scorer, Elias Petterson, has missed eight games but still holds a line of 13-15-28.
In addition, Kiefer Sherwood, who leads the team in goals with 17, is currently sidelined due to injury. These absences have contributed to Vancouver’s recent performance decline, with only one win in the last 11 games.
Canucks Goaltending Situation
Thatcher Demko is on injured reserve, leaving Kevin Lankinen as the primary goaltender. Lankinen’s record stands at 6-12-4 this season, with a 3.34 GAA. Backup Nikita Tolopilo has also seen limited action, appearing in five games.
Head-to-Head Trends
Historically, the Blue Jackets have struggled against the Canucks on the road. They dropped a previous matchup 4-3 in Vancouver in November. However, Columbus has found success at home, winning five straight against the Canucks in Columbus.
As both teams prepare for this important clash, fans are eager to see if the Blue Jackets can capitalize on their home advantage against a struggling Canucks squad. This matchup represents a chance for Columbus to further solidify their position while looking to build on recent successes.
