Blue Jackets Aim for Victory Against Ducks
The Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for an important matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. As the teams prepare for battle, the Blue Jackets are making strategic adjustments to their lineup to secure a much-needed victory.
Blue Jackets Roster Changes
Injuries have affected the Blue Jackets’ roster. Forward Zach Aston-Reese and defenseman Jake Christiansen are currently on injured reserve. Additionally, forward Mathieu Olivier and defenseman Erik Gudbranson are also sidelined due to upper body injuries.
During practice, the Blue Jackets restructured their top six players. Adam Fantilli will reunite with Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko, while Yegor Chinakhov, following a recent goal, has been promoted. Goaltender Jet Greaves is slated to start in net.
Milestones and Records
December 16 holds significance in Blue Jackets history. Key events include:
- 2003: The team announced a buyout of forward Espen Knutsen.
- 2010: Kristian Huselius scored a hat trick in a loss against Edmonton.
- 2014: Sergei Bobrovsky achieved a 1-0 shutout victory against Detroit.
- 2015: Nationwide Arena hosted Team USA’s training camp for the World Cup of Hockey.
- 2019: Joonas Korpisalo recorded a shutout win against Washington.
Defenseman Zach Werenski is set to play his 600th career game, making him the first Blue Jackets defenseman to reach this milestone. He ranks third among NHL defensemen in goals and has maintained an impressive scoring streak.
Blue Jackets vs. Ducks: An Overview
The Anaheim Ducks, under head coach Joel Quenneville, are currently performing well this season. They possess a powerful offense, averaging 3.45 goals per game. However, they’re struggling defensively, allowing 3.27 goals per game.
Notable scoring leaders for the Ducks include:
- Leo Carlsson: 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists)
- Cutter Gauthier: 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists)
- Beckett Sennecke: 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists)
- Mason McTavish: 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists)
In goal, young standout Lukáš Dostál has established himself with an impressive 12-6-1 record. The Ducks recently broke a losing streak with a decisive win against the New York Rangers and are looking to maintain this momentum.
Historical Context
Interestingly, the Blue Jackets have not secured a win against the Ducks at Nationwide Arena since December 1, 2017. This has resulted in a streak of six games without a victory, including two overtime losses. Additionally, the Ducks have not scored a power-play goal against the Blue Jackets since the 2015-16 season.
This matchup promises to be crucial for the Blue Jackets as they strive for a victory against the Ducks. The outcome will significantly impact their season as playoff aspirations remain alive.
