Hurricanes at Blue Jackets
THE STORY: Better late than never? The league-worse Columbus Blue Jackets can only wish that was the case as they prepare to host the surging Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are making a late charge at an unlikely playoff spot by reeling off a four-game winning streak that has them six points of eighth place in the Eastern Conference with eight games to play. Carolina has lost four straight to Columbus.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Carolina (Hurricanes), FS Ohio (Blue Jackets)
ABOUT THE HURRICANES (30-29-15): Captain Eric Staal continued his torrid stretch, scoring twice in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. It was the second consecutive two-goal game for Staal and gave him six points during a three-game streak. In his last 20 games, Staal has 11 goals and 17 assists. Carolina also got a boost with the return of defenseman Joni Pitkanen, who had a goal and an assist after sitting out 44 games with a concussion and knee problems.
ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (23-43-7): Columbus continues to wobble toward the finish line, absorbing a 5-1 home rout at the hands of Chicago on Wednesday that marked its fifth loss in the last six games. The Blue Jackets opened the month with four consecutive victories prior to the current skid, during which they have been held to one goal or fewer four times. Columbus has failed on 35 consecutive power-play chances, moving within seven of tying the franchise record.
OVERTIME:
1. Staal needs four points to reach 70 for the seventh consecutive season.
2. This is the only meeting of the season. Carolina hasn't won in Columbus since March 2004.