The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face the Philadelphia Flyers in a crucial division game, according to a March 24 preview. The matchup comes after the Blue Jackets’ recent 1-0 loss to the New York Islanders, which ended their 12-game point streak and marked only their third shutout defeat of the season.
The importance of this game is heightened as teams fight for playoff positions late in the season. The Blue Jackets currently hold third place in the Metropolitan Division due to having a game in hand over the Islanders, with both teams at 85 points. Several other teams remain close behind or ahead by narrow margins.
Reflecting on Sunday’s tight contest against New York, head coach Rick Bowness said, “You never would have guessed that a minute and a half into the game, one shot goes in and that’s the last goal that was scored for the game.” He added, “We did enough good things to win the game. At the end of the game, you lose 1-0, you say, ‘Did we do enough good things to give ourselves a chance to win the game?’ And we did, so you just live with that. One of those nights the puck didn’t go in.”
Defenseman Damon Severson described recent games as intense and playoff-like: “Just a playoff atmosphere for sure,” Severson said. “Little things. Every detail matters in the game – pucks getting chipped in, pucks getting chipped out, no turnovers, crashing the net, ugly goals. You have to capitalize on your chances for sure when you get them.” He continued: “You take your lessons in every game you lose, and you apply them to upcoming games.”
Columbus has been strong since January with a record of 19-3-4 and leads all National Hockey League teams in points percentage during that period. Key players like Zach Werenski and Adam Fantilli have contributed significantly; Werenski now ranks among franchise leaders with his scoring totals this season.
Philadelphia enters tonight’s contest following an improved stretch after early struggles this year under new head coach Rick Tocchet. The Flyers remain five points behind Columbus as they attempt to secure an Eastern Conference wild card spot.
