Blue Jackets and Senators Clash in the Heart of Columbus
As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to host the Ottawa Senators at Nationwide Arena, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Blue Jackets, coming off a high-scoring victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on March 3rd with a 5-2 win, are looking to continue their offensive prowess on home ice.
The previous game saw CBJ dominate in even-strength situations, netting all five goals during regular play and boasting a shooting percentage of 16 percent. Their aggressive play was evident as they blocked 14 shots and delivered 13 hits. Despite winning only 47 percent of faceoffs, CBJ's resilience led them to outscore their opponents by a wide margin.
However, it wasn't just about scoring; goaltending played a crucial role in securing that win. The Blue Jackets' goalie was impenetrable at even strength, maintaining a perfect save percentage throughout the game. This defensive solidity will be vital against an Ottawa team known for its unpredictability.
Looking back further at CBJ's performance against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 1st reveals some areas of concern despite their strong showing against Chicago. In that game, they lost with a scoreline of 4-2 and struggled particularly in faceoff circles with only a 39 percent success rate – something that must be addressed if they hope to control the game's pace against Ottawa.
Moreover, special teams could play an integral part in this upcoming matchup. While CBJ did not capitalize on powerplay opportunities during their last two games (0 goals from powerplays), they have shown potential for lethal execution which could turn any game around if ignited.
The Senators should not be underestimated though; any lapse in concentration or discipline from CBJ could give Ottawa the edge they need. It is essential for Columbus to maintain their physicality while avoiding unnecessary penalties that could shift momentum towards Ottawa.
Fans can expect CBJ to come out strong as they look to build upon their recent success and climb higher up in standings before playoffs loom closer. With strategic adjustments and continued focus on even-strength performance as well as improved special teams play, there is every reason for optimism among supporters of Columbus Blue Jackets.
Mark your calendars for March 14th at Nationwide Arena where puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+ via internet streaming or tune into BSOH television broadcast network – don't miss what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this season's story!