Blue Jackets-Kings Postponed Amid Level 3 Snow Emergency in Columbus
The Columbus Blue Jackets were set to hit the ice tonight against the Los Angeles Kings, but Mother Nature had other plans. A Level 3 snow emergency in Central Ohio has forced the NHL to postpone the game, prioritizing safety over puck drop. With nearly a foot of snow blanketing the region over the weekend, officials made the right call in avoiding the risk of 18,000 fans trying to navigate treacherous roads into downtown Columbus.
The rescheduled date is now set for Monday, March 9, though puck drop time is still to be determined. That makeup game will come at a busy time for both squads.
The Kings will be kicking off another East Coast swing-they’re due in Boston the very next night-while the Blue Jackets will immediately head south to Tampa Bay for the start of a newly arranged back-to-back. It’s a tight turnaround, and both teams will be juggling fatigue and logistics when that date arrives.
As for what’s next, Columbus is still scheduled to host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. But with the cold snap lingering and a slight chance of more snow in the forecast, that game isn't quite a lock just yet. City crews are hard at work trying to clear the roads, and all eyes will be on their progress over the next 48 hours.
On the ice, the Blue Jackets have quietly built some momentum. They’ve won two straight and currently sit at 24-20-7 (55 points), placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference. It’s not where they want to be, but the recent surge offers a glimmer of hope as they look to climb the standings and make a late-season push.
There’s also some good news on the injury front. Denton Mateychuk is expected back soon, and both Miles Wood and Dante Fabbro skated with the team earlier today-strong signs that reinforcements may be on the way. If those three can return to the lineup soon, it could give Columbus the depth boost they need heading into a crucial stretch of games.
For now, the focus shifts to safety. Stay warm, stay off the roads if you can, and we’ll see if the Jackets can keep the streak alive later this week-weather permitting.