Blue Jackets Host Golden Knights in 25th Anniversary Game
The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Vegas Golden Knights in a special match celebrating the team’s 25th anniversary. This event marks a significant milestone for the franchise, adding excitement to the game as both teams vie for victory.
Injury and Roster Updates
As the teams prepare for the matchup, the Blue Jackets are facing challenges with injuries. Key players on the injured reserve list include:
- F Zach Aston-Reese
- D Jake Christiansen
- F Mathieu Olivier (upper body injury)
- D Erik Gudbranson (upper body injury)
- F Boone Jenner (upper body injury)
Brendan Gaunce is set to play in his 200th NHL game. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski recently set a CBJ record by appearing in his 598th game, remaining a strong offensive presence on defense.
Recent Performances
Zach Werenski has had an impressive run, ranking third among NHL defensemen with nine goals this season. He leads the Blue Jackets with 32 points and is recognized for his consistent performance, registering points in 12 of the last 15 games.
Other notable players include:
- Boone Jenner, who returned to the lineup with a goal and an assist.
- Dmitri Voronkov leads the team with 12 goals, scoring three in the last four games.
- Sean Monahan has contributed with three goals and four assists in his last seven games.
Blue Jackets Team Statistics
The Blue Jackets are seeing success on special teams, with six power-play goals in the last six games. They currently rank 14th in the NHL for power-play percentage at 20.0%.
In goal, Jet Greaves holds a .915 save percentage over his last 11 appearances, highlighting his effectiveness in net.
Upcoming Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights
The Golden Knights, led by head coach Bruce Cassidy, continue to build on their success after winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. This season, they have been competitive, earning points in 24 of their 30 games.
- Goals per game: 3.07 (14th in NHL)
- Scoring defense: 2.83 (12th in NHL)
- Power play percentage: 24.5% (7th in NHL)
Jack Eichel, a key player for the Knights, is tied for seventh in the league with 40 points. His performance remains a significant asset for the team as they aim for a sixth division title since the franchise’s inception.
Historical Context
The matchup between the Blue Jackets and the Golden Knights has been evenly contested, with each team winning seven of their meetings. Columbus holds a record of 4-2-1 at home against Vegas, although they lost their last encounter by a score of 4-0.
This anniversary game presents an exciting opportunity for the Blue Jackets to showcase their talent and honor their history, while also looking forward to a competitive season ahead.
