What's Happening?
The Colorado Avalanche are set to face the Columbus Blue Jackets after Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals in a recent 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The Avalanche currently hold a record of 3-0-1
in the Central Division, while the Blue Jackets are 1-2 in the Metropolitan Division. Last season, the Blue Jackets had a record of 40-33-9 overall and were strong at home with a 26-10-5 record. They scored a total of 267 goals, including 35 power-play goals and nine shorthanded goals. The Avalanche finished last season with a 49-29-4 record and a 24-19-2 record on the road, boasting a 25.2% power play success rate, scoring 58 goals on 230 chances. Both teams currently have no listed injuries.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant as it pits two competitive teams from different divisions against each other early in the season. The Avalanche's strong start, highlighted by MacKinnon's performance, sets a positive tone for their campaign. For the Blue Jackets, this game offers a chance to improve their standing in the Metropolitan Division. The outcome could influence early season momentum and standings, impacting playoff positioning later in the season. Fans and stakeholders are keenly watching these early games to gauge team performance and potential.
What's Next?
The game is scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday at 7 p.m. EDT. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and address any weaknesses observed in previous games. The performance of key players like MacKinnon will be crucial, and both teams will aim to maintain or improve their current standings. The absence of injuries provides both teams with the opportunity to field their strongest lineups.
