The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Ottawa Senators with both teams heading in opposite directions this season. The Blue Jackets have a 14-30-3 record and with only three wins in their last 10 games are in last place in the Central Division. The Oilers have a 27-18-3 record and with six wins in a row have leaped to the top of the Pacific Division. Both teams are looking to improve within their divisions and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
The Blue Jackets are having a season to forget with their offense struggling and scoring only 2.57 goals per game. Johnny Gaudreau, Patrik Laine, and Jack Roslovic have combined for 31 goals and 69 assists but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only five skaters have 10 goals or more and opponents can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense has let the Blue Jackets down, allowing 3.89 goals per game with 17 goals in the last five games. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke have combined for 3.3 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has been awful, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. Additionally, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo has struggled in the net with a .908 save percentage and a 3.30 goals-against average on 642 shots.