Apr 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O’Reilly (90) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
The Nashville Predators return home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight at Bridgestone.
The Columbus Blue Jackets
It’s been an up-and-down season on the ice so far for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who once again saw an offseason tragedy this year. Forward Johnny Gaudreau died in a car crash over the summer, and while the team is honoring his memory in multiple ways this season, it still must be an incredible challenge for the players — especially those who were on the team in 2021.
However, in spite of that, they’re doing their best to keep on as usual.
They’re getting significant on-ice contributions from their young core — Kirill Marchenko leads the team with eight points, and four of their top five scorers are 27 or younger — and scoring goals by committee, with four separate players tied for the team lead (three).
Their goaltending has been wobbly, and their special teams a little below average. Despite that, they’ve gotten good puck luck in the offensive zone, and have put up an even 3-3-0 record.
The Nashville Predators
The Preds showed resilience in their outing last night against Chicago, rebounding from an 0-2 deficit to win 3-2, and will look to continue to round out their game tonight.
How to Watch
The game airs at 7 PM Central on FanDuel Sports Network South and 102.5 The Game. It’s Pride Music Heritage Night, so there will also be a player-signed jersey auction and an assortment of festive events for those attending at Bridgestone.