The Columbus Blue Jackets are heating up at just the right time-and tonight, they’ve got a chance to keep that fire burning against a Philadelphia Flyers team that’s starting to lose its grip on a playoff spot.
Since Rick Bowness took over behind the bench on January 12, Columbus has looked like a different team. They’ve gone 6-1-0 under their new head coach, playing with a structure and confidence that simply wasn’t there earlier in the season.
Bowness hasn’t just brought a new voice-he’s brought a new identity. And now, with just two points separating them from the Flyers in the Metropolitan Division standings, the Jackets have a golden opportunity to leapfrog a direct playoff rival.
Expect the Flyers to Come Out Firing
Philadelphia is reeling. They’ve managed just one win in their last eight games and are 3-5-2 in their last ten.
That’s a team searching for answers-and when that kind of frustration builds, it often shows up in the first period. Expect the Flyers to come out with urgency, trying to set the tone early and grab a quick lead.
For Columbus, the key will be staying composed. One of the biggest changes under Bowness has been the team’s ability to stick to the game plan, even under pressure.
That discipline will be tested tonight, especially after three days off. The Jackets can’t afford to get sucked into a track meet or start forcing plays-they need to trust the structure that’s brought them success over the last two weeks.
Denton Mateychuk Returns-But in a New Role
There’s some good news on the blue line: Denton Mateychuk is back. The young defenseman was activated off injured reserve Tuesday and will make his return to the lineup tonight.
But this won’t be the same freewheeling Mateychuk fans are used to watching. Under Bowness’ system, defensemen are expected to pick their spots and prioritize positioning over pinching.
That could mean a more reserved version of Mateychuk, at least as he gets acclimated to the new scheme.
Still, getting him back is a boost-especially with how important puck movement and transition play have become in Bowness’ system.
Capitalizing on High-Danger Chances-and a Weak Flyers PK
Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Blue Jackets lately. Just look at their 8-5 win over Tampa Bay on Saturday-Columbus is generating quality looks, and they’re finishing them.
That’s not by accident. Bowness has emphasized getting to high-danger areas, and the players have bought in.
No one has benefited more than Mason Marchment. Since arriving from Seattle on December 20, Marchment has been a force.
In nine games with Columbus, he’s racked up eight goals and three assists, including two power-play tallies, a game-winner, and a hat trick. He’s recorded points in seven of those nine games and is a +6 over that stretch.
Simply put: he’s been a perfect fit.
And tonight, he’ll have a chance to keep rolling against a Flyers team that’s been shaky on special teams. Philly’s power play ranks 30th in the league at just 15.6%, and their penalty kill isn’t much better-20th overall at 78%.
Meanwhile, the Jackets have scored on four of their last 14 power-play chances under Bowness, good for a 28.5% clip. With Mateychuk back to help quarterback the man advantage, Columbus should look to exploit that edge.
Goaltending: A Battle of Rust and Redemption
Tonight’s matchup in net is one of the more intriguing storylines. Both starting goalies are coming off extended absences-Dan Vladar returns for Philadelphia after two weeks out with injury, while Elvis Merzlikins is back for Columbus after dealing with an illness that forced him out of a Jan. 20 game against Ottawa.
Vladar’s been solid this season, posting a 16-7-4 record with a .905 save percentage and a 2.46 goals-against average. And historically, he’s had Columbus’ number-3-0-0 in his career against the Jackets with a .918 save percentage, a 1.64 GAA, and a shutout to his name.
Merzlikins, on the other hand, has struggled against the Flyers. He’s 2-4-2 in nine career games versus Philly, with a .891 save percentage and a 3.47 GAA.
He’s dropped four of his last five starts against them. But with both goaltenders trying to shake off some rust, this could come down to who finds their rhythm first-and who gets more help in front of them.
Five Games Before the Break-And Every Point Matters
With just five games left before the Olympic break, the standings are tightening, and every point is magnified. For the Blue Jackets, this is a chance to keep climbing. For the Flyers, it’s about stopping the bleeding.
This is also the first of back-to-back road games for Philly, so expect them to push hard early. But if Columbus can weather that storm, stick to their structure, and take advantage of special teams, they’ve got a real shot to extend this hot streak.
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. ET from Nationwide Arena, and the game will be nationally televised on TNT.