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Three Games to Watch: Columbus Blue Jackets

By Savannah Deuer

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 22: Jean-Francois Berube #30 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save as Andrew Peeke #2 attempts to keep John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the rebound during the third period at Nationwide Arena on February 22, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 22: Jean-Francois Berube #30 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save as Andrew Peeke #2 attempts to keep John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs from the rebound during the third period at Nationwide Arena on February 22, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Toronto 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have been on a hot streak as of late, winning five of their last six games, with the only loss coming at the hands of the Calgary Flames. In that six-game stretch, the most impressive win for the Blue Jackets was a 4-3 overtime victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Columbus has been inconsistent all season, but it appears that the team is on steady ground; Patrik Laine is playing his best since being traded to Columbus, goaltender J-F Berube came up big in the win against Toronto with 39 saves on 42 shots, and Columbus dominated in hits and blocks. Columbus has steady momentum for the first time all season, let’s look at three upcoming games that could tell the tale of the Blue Jackets’ playoff push.

February 24: Florida Panthers

This game is incredibly important to see if Columbus can truly compete with the league leaders. The Blue Jackets have struggled against Florida all season, losing 9-2 and 8-4, respectively. The Panthers are an incredibly hard team to defend, especially deep in the zone, Columbus will have to win face-offs early and often to maintain puck control throughout the game.

February 25: Carolina Hurricanes

The Blue Jackets and the Hurricanes have had an interesting back-and-forth this season, and many claim Columbus’ season turned around with a 6-0 shutout of the Hurricanes on January 13 in Raleigh. The Hurricanes dominate in the defensive zone, Columbus will have to use its speed to shut down Carolina before the damage is done. The ‘Canes are also dominant on the power play and lead the league on the kill.

March 4: Los Angeles Kings

While the Kings haven’t been particularly outstanding this season, Columbus has struggled against West Coast teams this season. Los Angeles is stingy on the face-off and gives up very few goals per game compared to how many they score. The Kings also play in arguably the fastest division in hockey, the Pacific, where speed is the bread and butter of every team. Los Angeles has also proven their ability to compete throughout the season, beating Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Edmonton.

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