Detroit earned a big point in the standings last night by extending their contest in Vancouver to the shootout and drawing within one point of idle Columbus. Detroit still has a game-in-hand and the advantage in ROW over the Jackets. Dallas still lingers on the outside just two points back, also with a game-in-hand but with an unreachable advantage (for Columbus at least) in the ROW column (Dallas - 20 ROW, Columbus - 16 ROW). Ironically all three clubs saw their chances decrease after last night's results according to the Pro Club Stats website as Phoenix improved their odds by 4.1% following their win over Chicago. The race for the final spot looks likely to go to the final day of the season and makes each and every game from here on out a critical two points for all three teams.

Columbus heads to San Jose to finish off their three game swing through California. The Jackets are 2 - 0 - 0 this season against the Sharks, taking 6 - 2 and 4 - 0 decisions at home on February 11th and April 9th respectively. San Jose is on a three-game winning streak winning those contests by a cumulative score of 13 - 3.

In another game today that will have impact on the standings, Dallas is in Los Angeles to play the Kings. The Kings and Sharks are in a dead heat in the race for the 4th seed and home-ice in the first round of their projected playoff matchup. LA owns the tie-breaker with 23 ROW to just 16 for San Jose. Both teams have a lot to play for so Columbus and Dallas should expect nothing easy in tonight's games.

With points at a premium we should expect to see the two Vezina Trophy challengers in goal for a rematch of April 9th's contest with Antii Niemi for the Sharks opposing Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky earned his 4th career shutout in the last matchup while Niemi was knocked out of the game after allowing four goals on 26 shots. I don't imagine Columbus will do that again to Niemi and the Sharks but one can hope.

On the injury front, Adrian Aucoin will be a game time decision after skating yesterday according to Aaron Portzline via Twitter.

Artem Anisimov did not skate and is out according to Portzline in his Puck Rackers Blog.

Nikita Nikitin also didn't skate yesterday and is in the same boat as Anisimov.

Matt Calvert suffered a broken finger in Thursday's loss to LA and is expected to miss two-to-four weeks. It appears Blake Comeau will move up to take the LW spot on the line with Dubinsky and Cam Atkinson.

The Jackets players were evidently treated to a nice dinner by new teammate Marian Gaborik last night. With the pressure to make the playoffs mounting a nice meal out together in San Jose was probably a welcome relief and it's a solid gesture by the veteran sniper. I'm sure there was a TV or two nearby tuned into the Red Wings/Vancouver game though.

I don't need to remind anyone of how critical tonight's game is. It doesn't matter if it is in regulation, OT or shootout, Columbus needs both points tonight. I would expect a desperate effort tonight from the Jackets who realize the magnitude of the situation.

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