Blue Jackets at Capitals
The Columbus Blue Jackets are mired in a four-game skid and their latest loss, coming at the hands of a division rival, was described by coach John Tortorella as a "kick in the stomach." Columbus gets a chance to avenge that defeat when it hits the road for a rematch against the Metropolitan-leading Washington Capitals on Friday night.
The Blue Jackets dominated the first leg of the home-and-home set with Washington, only to give up the go-ahead goal in the final minute of a 3-2 setback to match their longest losing streak of the season. "We just have to keep our composure and keep on finding our game, because our game is coming," Tortorella said. "I think we're close." Nicklas Backstrom's 200th career goal was the difference in Tuesday's victory for the Capitals, who have won five straight in the series -- although the past four matchups have been decided by one goal. “That was a little more of the playoff determined feel that we want with our hockey club, and how we want to play the game,” Washington's T.J. Oshie said. "It’s a good feeling to have and hopefully a trend we can get going here as the games get tighter towards the end of the season.”
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Columbus), NBCS Washington
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (27-22-4): Defenseman Zach Werenski is stuck on 11 goals -- matching last season's rookie total -- after failing to score in the past 14 games. Part of the reason for the slump is that Werenski is playing "banged up," according to Tortorella. “You don’t want it to have an impact on your play, but there are definitely times I’m conscious of it throughout the game and I’m thinking of how to avoid certain situations," Werenski said of the undisclosed ailment.
ABOUT THE CAPITALS (31-17-5): Braden Holtby allowed six goals at Pittsburgh in his previous start but he responded by making 37 saves versus Columbus to improve to 4-0-0 following games in which he was yanked. "It’s just the way he is," Backstrom said. "When you need him the most, that’s when he steps up. You can count on him.” Forward Andre Burakovsky was benched in the third period of Tuesday's game and was replaced on the third line by Alex Chiasson at Thursday's practice.
OVERTIME
1. Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky has lost five straight to the Capitals, dropping his record against them to 6-9-4 with a 3.07 goals-against average.
2. Capitals F Tom Wilson, reunited with Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin, scored his career high-tying seventh goal on Tuesday.
3. D Ryan Murray practiced for the first time since Jan. 10 for Columbus, which has surrendered at least one power-play goal in six straight games.