Bruins-Blue Jackets: Preview

The Boston Bruins head into the Nationwide Arena to take on the NHL’s third-youngest team in the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Columbus is led by All-Star captain Rick Nash, who was the NHL’s Third Player of the Week.

Last week, Nash posted with four goals, two assists, and a plus-four in three games played.

No. 61 also leads all Blue Jackets with over a point-per-game (64)  and shots-on-goal with 207.

The Blue Jackets are coming off a huge 8-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, gaining their 72nd point while catapulting to sixth place in the Western Conference.

Rookie sensation Steve Mason is the front-runner for the Calder Memorial Trophy in the league this season, and should get the nod in net tonight. The 20-year-old leads all NHL goalies with eight shutouts, and second—only behind Tim Thomas—in GAA with 2.24.

Boston owns the best road record in the NHL at 21-9-4, but have lost their last three away from home. Tim Thomas should get the start between the pipes for the Bruins, looking to snap that streak, and continue his Vezina-like season.

Steve Montador—who was acquired by the Bruins on the trade deadline—missed the last two games with a stomach bug, but should be ready to go tonight for the Black and Gold.

Fourth-line center Stephan Yelle missed the road trip this week after taking a hard hit into the boards last Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. Yelle will miss his second consecutive game tonight, with rookie Byron Bitz filling in again for the ailing center.

The Bruins post a 2-0-2 all-time record in Columbus, yet are seeking redemption for their last 5-4 overtime loss back on Dec. 26, 2007.