Blue Jackets Host Senators in Five-Game Homestand Kickoff

The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face the Ottawa Senators as they kick off a five-game homestand. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, making this matchup crucial for their standings in the league.

Injury Updates for the Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets will be missing several key players. Dante Fabbro is out due to a lower body injury, while Denton Mateychuk is sidelined with an upper body injury. Isac Lundeström has been placed on injured reserve along with Mason Marchment and Miles Wood, both of whom are considered week-to-week.

• Dante Fabbro: Lower body injury, likely out for a week.
• Denton Mateychuk: Upper body injury.
• Mason Marchment: Upper body injury, week-to-week.
• Miles Wood: Lower body injury, week-to-week.
• Brendan Smith: Out for three to four months due to knee surgery.

Players to Watch

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will be in net, having made 59 saves on 63 shots in his last two games. Zach Werenski continues to impress, notching points in 13 of the last 14 games, while Kirill Marchenko is also on a scoring streak.

• Zach Werenski: 9 goals and 13 assists in last 14 games.
• Kirill Marchenko: Points in 11 of the last 13 games (8-7-15).
• Charlie Coyle: Approaching his 999th career game with four goals in the last four contests.

Performance Statistics

The Blue Jackets’ defensemen have combined for 37 goals this season, the highest in the NHL. Columbus has scored the first goal in 13 of their last 17 games, showing a strong start mentality. However, they are preparing to face a formidable Ottawa team.

Ottawa Senators Overview

The Senators are led by head coach Travis Green and are currently struggling in the Atlantic Division. They have recently experienced a 4-6-3 stretch and sit at the bottom of the division standings.

• Goals per game: 3.25 (10th in NHL)
• Scoring defense: 3.40 (29th in NHL)
• Power Play: 24.4% (7th in NHL)
• Penalty Kill: 71.5% (32nd in NHL)

Key Players for Ottawa

Brady Tkachuk has been pivotal for the Senators, returning from a hand injury to post significant points. Tim Stützle has also excelled, leading the team with 21 goals this season.

• Brady Tkachuk: 10 goals and 17 assists in 28 games.
• Tim Stützle: 21 goals and 28 assists.
• Drake Batherson: 19 goals and 44 points.

Game Dynamics

The two teams have split their previous matchups. Columbus won 4-1 against Ottawa just weeks after the Senators secured a 6-3 victory at Nationwide Arena. As both teams seek to improve their ranking, this homestand presents a crucial opportunity for the Blue Jackets.

This game will not only mark the beginning of a challenging stretch for Columbus but also a chance for Ottawa to find consistency as they aim for a playoff spot. With key injuries on both sides, fans can expect an intense encounter at the arena.