Columbus Blue Jackets Primed for Home Ice Advantage Against San Jose Sharks

As the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to host the San Jose Sharks at Nationwide Arena, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The Blue Jackets' recent performance suggests they are in a prime position to capitalize on their home ice advantage.

In their last game against the Vegas Golden Knights on March 5th, Columbus showcased an impressive offensive display, netting six goals on 33 shots. Their shooting percentage was a remarkable 18 percent, indicating that when they shoot, they score with high efficiency. Moreover, their goaltending was solid; saving 37 out of 40 shots is no small feat and reflects a save percentage of 100 percent during even strength play.

The defensive side cannot be overlooked either. With a total of 21 hits and eight takeaways in the game against Vegas, Columbus demonstrated physicality and alertness on the ice that disrupted their opponents' flow. This level of aggression will be crucial in containing the Sharks' forwards.

However, it's not all smooth sailing for CBJ. One area where they could improve is faceoffs – winning only 45 percent against Vegas shows there's room for better puck control right from the drop. This could prove vital against San Jose who will look to exploit any weakness.

Looking at CBJ's away game versus Chicago Blackhawks on March 3rd provides further insight into their current form. They emerged victorious with five points scored and maintained an even plus-minus rating across all players – another testament to both offensive prowess and defensive responsibility.

The upcoming match promises to be an exciting one as both teams have shown strengths that could lead to a tightly contested battle. However, given CBJ’s recent performances – particularly at home – there is reason for optimism among fans that their team can come out on top once again.

Scheduled for March 16th at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio with a start time of 7:00 PM EDT (23:00 UTC), fans won't want to miss this clash between two determined teams looking to assert dominance late in the season. For those unable to attend in person, broadcasting networks such as ESPN+ online or BSOH and NBCS-CA on TV will ensure supporters can follow every moment of what promises to be an enthralling encounter.