Once Upon A Time In Las Vegas – Wildcard Edition
The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Detroit Red Wings with both teams looking to improve from rough seasons. The Blue Jackets have a 12-27-2 record and with three losses in a row sit in last place in the Metropolitan Division. The Red Wings have an 18-15-7 record but with back-to-back wins have leaped into the middle of the Atlantic Division. Both teams are looking to improve in the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game should be a great one as a result.
The Blue Jackets are having a rough season with their offense falling apart, scoring only 2.54 goals per game with only five goals in the last three games. Johnny Gaudreau, Jack Roslovic, and Patrik Laine have scored 24 goals and 54 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only three active skaters have scored nine goals or more while only five active skaters have nine assists or more and opposing defenses can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Blue Jackets down this year, allowing 3.98 goals per game including 26 goals in the last six games. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke have combined for 2.7 defensive point shares but the rest of the defense has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. The bright spot has been the play of goaltender Joonas Korpisalo who has a .908 save percentage and a 3.28 goals-against average on 568 shots.