Opinion
3 min read

Columbus Blue Jackets Clash with Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena

As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up to face the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena, fans are bracing for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Blue Jackets, coming off a high-scoring game against the San Jose Sharks on March 15th where they emerged victorious with a score of 6-5 in overtime, will look to carry that momentum into their next game.


Oct 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA;  Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (90) deflects the puck over the net in the game against the Philadelphia Flyers in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The previous encounter showcased Columbus's offensive prowess as they peppered the Sharks' net with 48 shots and capitalized on their powerplay opportunities. Their shooting percentage stood at a commendable 13 percent while their powerplay conversion was at 33 percent. However, it wasn't just about offense; the team also demonstrated resilience in defense by blocking 18 shots and winning nearly half of their faceoffs.


Despite these strengths, there are areas where CBJ needs improvement. The goaltending performance showed some vulnerability as they allowed five goals on 32 shots, which translates to an unimpressive save percentage of around 84 percent. This could be a cause for concern when facing LA's sharpshooters.


On the flip side, looking back at CBJ's game against St. Louis Blues on March 12th reveals some inconsistencies that might worry fans ahead of their next outing. In that home game defeat (2-5), Columbus struggled offensively with a meager shooting percentage of around five percent and faced challenges in goal with a save percentage below 80 percent.


However, one should not overlook CBJ's capacity for bouncing back and making adjustments after setbacks. They have shown tenacity this season and have been particularly effective when playing away from home – something they'll hope continues against the Kings.


The Los Angeles Kings will not make it easy though; they're known for being formidable opponents on their own ice. But if Columbus can leverage its recent offensive surge while tightening up defensively – especially between the pipes – there is every reason to believe that they can skate away with another win under their belt.


Fans eager to see if CBJ can overcome these challenges should mark their calendars for March 16th when the puck drops at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles at precisely 7:30 PM local time (10:30 PM Eastern Time). The action will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+ and locally on BSW (channel number:692) for LA viewers or BSOH (channel number:660) for those cheering from Columbus.

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