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Off to Chicago to start the weekend back-to-back |
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Tonight's Match Up: @ Chicago Blackhawks
Record: 1-2-1; 5th in the Central with 3 points
Streak: Won 1
Goal Differential: -1
Road Record: 0-1 (Lost in Prague to PHI)
Blue Jackets
Record: 3-3; 5th in the Metro with 6 points
Streak: Won 2
Goal Differential: -6
Home Record: 2-2
Chicago is heavy with stars of the recent past (Toews, Seabrook & Keith), present (Kane, Crawford & Saad) and future (Strome, Nylander & DeBrincat) along with a solid supporting cast (de Haan, Maatta & Shaw). It is safe to say the rebuild is over and they are ready to win now. However, I don't think they are the dominate force we saw in the early 2010s. My guess is they will make the playoffs this year along with COL and STL in the Central. Their experience probably carries them into the second round, but from there it is anyone's guess.
Position-by-Position Break Down
Offense: Chicago
Kane, Kane and more Kane. He hasn't slowed down at all and will be motivated to get this team winning. Off to a slow start they will want to notch a few more wins on this long homestand. Kane is surrounded by talent, so much that if you focus on him the others will beat you.
Goaltending: Columbus, but its close
Crawford is likely to be in net tonight and that could be good for Columbus. He has experience, has won the Cup, but has struggled with injuries and some down play in the past couple of seasons. He can steal a game, but right now is more likely to just be a solid backstop.
Korpi is moving in the right direction for the Jackets. Each game he has looked more comfortable between the pipes. My guess is that we see him tonight and Elvis tomorrow. His strength has been positioning, while his weakness has been rebound control. CHI will make him pay for sloppy rebounds tonight if that continues.
Defense: Columbus
There is nothing wrong with this revamped CHI defense, but I still believe CBJ has an elite group. Columbus defensemen can move the puck, jump in the play (Murray to Nuti last game), and play strong in their own zone. Hitting and blocking shots are not a problem either. I look at CHI d-corp as Columbus-lite, meaning that they do much of the same but not as consistently or as well as Columbus. We will get a direct comparison tonight.
Chicago has had a weird schedule to start the season. They were in Europe to open against PHI then had a long break before their next game. CBJ find them in the 4th game of a 7-game home streak and after 3 days off. They will be rested and could be rusty.
What does CBJ need to do to Win?
1. Play team defense. Kane is going to get his points tonight, it is key to limit him as much as possible and not get frustrated when he creates or scores. The focus should be to not let the 3rd and 4th liners beat you too.
2. Score early and play with a lead. An early goal or two could suck the air out of the building.
The Blackhawks haven't turned the corner to be a winning team yet. Their fans may give up on them early if they get down.
3. Continue to press on offense. Usually I say something about helping out the goalie here, but I think Korpi has been good. That said, CHI is talented and will score some goals. It is my opinion that it will take at least 4 goals to win this game. CBJ needs to keep a foot on the gas on offense. With a lead against DAL, Columbus laid back a little. That will not work tonight. You have to know you opponent. And if you do that against CHI they will pick you apart.
Good luck Columbus, GO JACKETS.
Thanks for reading
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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