Game Preview: Lightning Seek Victory Against Blue Jackets in NHL Matchup

The Tampa Bay Lightning face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena tonight. This matchup comes at an opportune moment for the struggling Blue Jackets. Columbus is currently dealing with scoring challenges, which have hindered their performance this season.
Current Team Performance
The Tampa Bay Lightning hold a record of 1-2-2 in the current NHL season. Recently, they have lost two consecutive games in overtime, including a close match against the Detroit Red Wings. Star player Nikita Kucherov missed the game due to illness, leaving his participation in tonight’s game uncertain.
Additionally, starting goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy lost against the Red Wings. Consequently, Jonas Johansson is likely to get the nod in goal. Johansson has shown better performance this season compared to Vasilevskiy.
Blue Jackets’ Struggles
The Blue Jackets have faced their own set of issues, particularly with scoring. So far this season, they’ve struggled to find the back of the net, averaging 2.75 goals per game. However, the Lightning have also encountered defensive weaknesses, which may provide an opportunity for Columbus to improve their offensive output.
Statistical Overview
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s statistics:
Statistic | Blue Jackets | Lightning |
---|---|---|
Power Play Percentage | 9.1% (30th in NHL) | 23.1% (10th in NHL) |
Penalty Kill Percentage | 53.3% (32nd in NHL) | 89.5% (10th in NHL) |
Goals For | 11 (23rd in NHL) | 13 (20th in NHL) |
Goals Against | 13 (5th in NHL) | 16 (25th in NHL) |
Historical Matchup
In historical terms, the Blue Jackets have a record of 16 wins, 29 losses, and 1 tie against the Lightning. At home, they hold 11 wins and 12 losses against Tampa Bay. In the last 11 home games against the Lightning, the Blue Jackets are 5-4-2.
Key Players to Watch
- Nikita Kucherov: Possesses 47 points in 30 games against Columbus. His current status is uncertain.
- Jake Guentzel: Leads the Lightning with 4 assists and 5 points this season.
- Jonas Johansson: Holds a record of 1-0 with a .909 save percentage.
- Zach Werenski: Notable for 20 points in 24 career games against the Lightning.
- Boone Jenner: Contributed 12 points in 28 games versus Tampa Bay.
Injury Updates
The Blue Jackets currently do not have any players on injured reserve, but Erik Gudbranson and Miles Wood have upper body injuries, totaling 3 man-games lost.
How to Watch
Fans can catch tonight’s game on FanDuel Sports Network, with play-by-play commentary from Steve Mears. The radio broadcast will be available on 93.3 The Bus, featuring Bob McElligott as the commentator.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Columbus Blue Jackets. For more coverage, visit El-Balad for in-depth articles and analysis.