Blue Jackets at Sharks
THE STORY: The Columbus Blue Jackets seek their first win on their six-game road trip when they take on the Pacific Division-leading San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Columbus is 0-2-1 on its trek and has lost five straight on the road. The Blue Jackets, who have dropped four in a row overall, have posted only three wins in their last 21 visits to San Jose. The Sharks are returning home following a 1-1-1 road trip. San Jose has lost four of its last six overall but is 5-1-1 in its last seven meetings with the Blue Jackets.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Columbus), CS California (San Jose)
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (13-30-6): The club recalled defenseman David Savard and center Andrew Joudrey from Springfield of the American Hockey League on Monday. Savard made his NHL debut earlier this season, registering five assists in 15 games. Joudrey, who has notched seven goals and eight assists in 42 contests with Springfield this campaign, has yet to play in an NHL game. Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Saturday that Columbus will host the 2013 All-Star Celebration from Jan. 26-27. "We believe our city offers a truly unique setting for this special event," majority owner John P. McConnell said.
ABOUT THE SHARKS (27-14-6): San Jose will have a special guest at practice on Wednesday as Nyjer Morgan of the Milwaukee Brewers will join the team on the ice. Morgan, who is a Bay Area native, grew up playing hockey and recorded two goals and 20 penalty minutes in seven games with Regina of the Western Hockey League in 1999-2000 before turning his focus to baseball. "I'm really excited to get on the ice with the team," Morgan said. "I've been a diehard fan since the team came to San Jose in 1991. I will never forget the George Kingston and Patty Falloon days. I'm not sure the guys are ready for me!" Sharks captain Joe Thornton is anxious to practice with Morgan. "We’re excited to see what he can do out here," he said.
OVERTIME:
1. Columbus has lost three straight and five of its last seven meetings with San Jose.
2. Each of the Sharks' last six victories over the Blue Jackets have been by one goal, including a pair of 2-1 triumphs this season.