Calgary won that one 6-0 in Nationwide Arena, part of a stretch of eight wins in nine games for the Flames, and the
rematch will be tonight at the Saddledome
. It's a different CBJ team a couple of weeks later, as Columbus has won five of six overall and five straight road games, and tonight is a chance to show just how far the team has come in recent games.
"I don't have a crystal ball how this is gonna go tonight," head coach Brad Larsen said. "I know we're playing a heck of a hockey team that is on a roll. We have to be sharp, we have to manage the puck well, we have to be competitive, we have to be tracking the puck well. Defensively, we have to be sharp. They can sting you in a lot of different ways.
"There's no weaknesses to their team here. Special teams are really good. They are a big-bodied team, they skate well, they're good off the rush, they create a lot from below the goal line. If you're not plugged in, they'll do it to you again, so we'll see if we've taken a step here."
As we said, there is a bit of new energy around the Blue Jackets, and some of that comes from some personnel changes, too. The Blue Jackets have won all three games since the All-Star break, coinciding with the recalls of rookie Trey Fix-Wolansky and winger Brendan Gaunce. Each has scored since arriving, and they've brought some excitement to the table with their energetic style of play.
For Fix-Wolansky, it will be a game he might never forget. He hails from Edmonton, a short drive from the Stampede City, and said he will have around 30 friends and family in attendance for this game including his parents, who were at each of the first three games as well.
"This is like a second home," Fix-Wolansky said. "I played a lot of hockey here growing up. For my family and extended family and friends to be able to come and see me play a game in the NHL, that's pretty special. I'm super excited to play a game in front of them. Hopefully I score a goal or something."
