The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Tampa Bay Lightning with both teams heading in opposite directions this season. The Blue Jackets have a 12-25-2 record and with only two wins in their last 10 games have fallen to last place in the Metropolitan Division. The Lightning have a 24-13-1 record and are in third place in the Atlantic Division but look to bounce back from consecutive losses. Both teams are looking to improve from rough losses and gain ground in their divisions and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
The Blue Jackets are having an awful season with their offense falling apart and scoring only 2.54 goals per game including only six goals in the last four games. Johnny Gaudreau and Jack Roslovic have scored 14 goals and 43 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only six skaters have scored eight goals or more while only five skaters have added nine assists 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 all season, allowing 3.87 goals per game with 14 goals in the last four games. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke have combined for 2.6 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit 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 .913 save percentage and a 3. 10 goals-against average on 527 shots.