Predators at Blue Jackets Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Nashville Predators on Monday night for another chance to play the role of spoiler. The Blue Jackets are hoping to end the season on a high note while the Predators are trying to clinch a playoff spot.

Nashville has taken a big lead for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division with 58 points on the year. The Predators have won four of their last six games, including a crucial win over Dallas over the weekend.

Columbus has won just one time in the last three weeks, and it has been a disappointing year. The Blue Jackets remain in last place in the Central with just 43 points and will likely finish in that position. 

Columbus is a big underdog in this game as the Nashville Predators are -170 on the money line. The over/under is set at just 5.0 goals, which might be too high for a pair of struggling offenses.

Predators Playing Slow Style

The Nashville Predators have been slowing things down this season, and that style of play has been extremely tough on opponents. Nashville is scoring just 2.58 goals per game while allowing just 2.75 goals against.

Goaltender Juuse Saros has picked up 19 wins on the season while stopping nearly 93 percent of all shots he has faced. Nashville just shut out the Stars over the weekend, and this could be another dominating defensive performance.

Defenseman Roman Josi leads the team with 25 assists on the year, and he has been a big part of this recent run. Nashville is starting to get healthy again, and this could help them go on a deep playoff run if they make the field. 

Columbus Keeping it Close

Even though the Blue Jackets have not been winning many games, the Blue Jackets have been keeping games close. Columbus just doesn’t have the offense to pull through, but they have done a decent job of shutting down opponents.

The Blue Jackets are scoring just 2.3 goals per game, and that lack of offense has been an issue during this recent slump. Oliver Bjorkstrand leads the team with 15 goals and 24 assists, but he just hasn’t gotten a ton of help.

The slow style of play by Nashville will give the Blue Jackets a chance to stay in this game, but at some point, they will have to find a way to light the lamp. 

Looking to Play Spoiler

The Nashville Predators clearly have more to play for on Monday night, but Columbus can still affect the playoff race. The Blue Jackets will be looking to play the role of spoiler, and that makes them a dangerous team.

Nashville has been on a remarkable run in the last few weeks, but they haven’t exactly been dominating their opponents. This will leave the door open for the Blue Jackets to have a chance, but Columbus still has to prove they can step up and win a game. 

One goal could very easily decide this game, and the Blue Jackets will need a few good bounces to come out on top.