The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face the Washington Capitals as they conclude their road trip. The matchup comes at a crucial point in the season for both teams. The Blue Jackets are dealing with injuries but are keen to secure a win after a challenging stretch.
Injury Report and Roster Updates
Kirill Marchenko has been ruled out due to an upper body injury sustained during morning skate. His absence will lead to Aston-Reese stepping into the lineup while Chinakhov moves up in the offensive lineup. The Blue Jackets will start Elvis Merzlikins in goal for this matchup.
Player Injury Status
- Out: Kirill Marchenko (upper body)
- Injured Reserve: Erik Gudbranson (upper body), Boone Jenner (upper body)
Recent Achievements and Stats
Zach Werenski has been in top form, recording a goal and an assist in their last game against Detroit. He holds a six-game point streak, tallying ten points in that span. Additionally, he ranks among the top NHL defensemen with seven goals and 21 points this season.
- Adam Fantilli has scored in six of the last eight games, accumulating 11 points.
- Dmitri Voronkov leads the team with nine goals and has five multipoint games this season.
Columbus leads the NHL in defensemen goals, showcasing their offensive depth from the blue line, with 16 goals scored this season.
Understanding the Opponent: Washington Capitals
The Capitals, under head coach Spencer Carbery, are also aiming for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference. They currently rank 9th for goals per game at 3.23 and have a scoring defense ranked T-6th at 2.73.
Current Team Stats
- Power Play: 14.7% (27th)
- Penalty Kill: 71.8% (29th)
The Capitals’ scoring leaders include Tom Wilson with 11 goals and Alex Ovechkin, who continues his scoring prowess with 10 goals this season. Rookie Ryan Leonard, the No. 8 overall draft pick, has contributed significantly with five goals.
Looking Ahead
These teams recently met on October 24, where Washington secured a convincing 5-1 victory. Columbus aims for better outcomes in what has been a tough series, holding a record of 4-9-3 against the Capitals over the last five seasons.
As they conclude their road trip, the Blue Jackets hope to overcome their injury challenges and capitalize on the Capitals’ vulnerabilities. With the stakes high, fans can expect an exhilarating matchup.
