The Columbus Blue Jackets will be the more rested team when they attempt to end a five-game losing streak on Tuesday in a matchup with the visiting Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks are coming off a 4-1 win against the host New York Rangers on Monday night that ended a two-game skid.
Now, Anaheim has an opportunity to complete its five-game road trip with a winning record.
In a contest that was magnified by the return of Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba to Madison Square Garden for the first time since their departures to Anaheim, the Ducks matched the league lead with their sixth short-handed goal of the season to take a 1-0 lead in the second period against New York.
The Rangers tied it, but Anaheim followed with three goals in the third period, making the two-hour flight from New York to Columbus more enjoyable.
“I thought we played a really good 40 minutes leading up to (the third period),” said Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier, who scored two goals in the decisive third frame. “It was obviously a big game for our team, and two guys in that locker room, and the main goal was coming out with a win and we did so. So everyone was extra motivated in the last 20 (minutes) to get the job done and fight for the two points.”
Trouba got an assist on Jackson LaCombe’s short-handed goal, and Kreider played 18:04, the second-most minutes among Anaheim forwards, and both also received warm video tributes on the overhead screens.
“It was awesome,” Gauthier said. “Obviously, they’ve done so much for this franchise over the handful of years they spent here and it just goes to show you, the whole fan base is yelling and screaming for them, so they must have done a great job and we’re super lucky to have them on our side now.”
The Blue Jackets haven’t played since Saturday, when they lost 3-2 to the visiting Vegas Golden Knights.
After his side dropped the previous game 6-3 to the visiting Ottawa Senators on Thursday, Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason saw some improvements against a better opponent on Saturday.
“It was unfortunate we didn’t get rewarded,” Evason said. “They played hard, played right. For whatever reason, we’re not catching a break here and there, a couple of posts, but we have to keep working. Obviously, doing all the right things, continue to do that and things will go good.”
The Blue Jackets took a 1-0 lead into the second period against the Golden Knights, then held a 2-1 advantage 4:49 into the third period, but they couldn’t hold on against the Pacific Division leaders.
“They’re a good team. We’re a good team,” Evason said. “It’s hard to continually say we didn’t catch a break or whatever, but we worked (Saturday) night. The other night (against the Senators), we didn’t like our commitment. (Against Vegas), we did the right things.”
One line that is standing out for Columbus is the trio of Miles Wood, Charlie Coyle and Cole Sillinger, who have been solid defensively. Coyle and Sillinger also combined on the first goal of the game against the Golden Knights.
“That line has been good,” Evason said. “They’ve been able to defend really well for us as a line, but we think they have the ability to score goals, too. We’ve never really had a ‘checking line,’ but as it sets up most nights, especially at home, they’re the line that’s going to play against their top line.”
