The Columbus Blue Jackets have handled some of the league's best teams with ease as they've climbed to the top of the NHL standings.
They just haven't found a way to solve the Boston Bruins.
Columbus comes out of the Christmas break looking to extend the longest winning streak in franchise history and claim its first victory in three tries over Boston on Tuesday night when the teams meet for the final time in the regular season.
Victories in 12 straight games placed Columbus (23-5-4) into first place overall, one point ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks, heading into the break. The Blue Jackets haven't lost since falling to the Florida Panthers in a shootout on Nov. 26 and have outscored the opposition 46-18 during their winning streak.
But the team hasn't had an answer for Boston (18-14-4), currently third in the Atlantic Division.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/games/1647237/
Tonight's Officials
Referees Kelly Sutherland (11), Jean Hebert (15)
Linesmen David Brisebois (96), Mark Shewchyk (92)
Ntl. Anthem Leo Welsh
WAYBACK MACHINE
BOSTON vs COLUMBUS, LIFETIME SERIES
The Bruins and Blue Jackets are meeting for the 24th time in their histories with the Bruins having a 15-6-0-2 record and 76-56 scoring advantage in those games.
The Bruins are 8-2-0-2 in their 12 road games of this lifetime series with a 43-29 scoring edge in those contests.
The Bruins are 4-1-0 in their last 5 games vs. the Blue Jackets, including wins in the 1st 2 games of this season’s series with a 6-3 win in Columbus on 10/13 and 5-2 victory in Boston on 11/10 and they are now 10-3-0 in the last 13 games overall of this lifetime series …
They are 6-1-0 in their last 7 visits to Nationwide Arena
TONIGHT’S GAME
The Bruins visit the Blue Jackets tonight in the 3rd and final game between these teams and the 2nd of 2 of this season’s series at Nationwide Arena … The Bruins are 18-14-4 thus far this season with a 10-5-4 mark on the road … They are 4-3-4 vs. Metropolitan
Division opponents and are 13-8-4 vs. Eastern Conference teams this season.
MILESTONES APPROACHING
Jimmy Hayes is 2 points short of his 100th NHL point.
Dominic Moore is 3 goals shy of his 100th NHL goal.
INJURIES (98 total man-games lost)
Matt Beleskey – Right knee; 6 wks from time of 12/3 injury; Has missed 11 games (IR)
John-Michael Liles – Concussion; Has missed 14 games (IR)
https://link.nhl.com/static/gamenotes/public/20162017/[email protected]?1482806983000
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