Love Wins and Hopefully Columbus Will Too

Back at Nationwide Arena, the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the New Jersey Devils in their third fight of the season.

The last time these two clubs faced-off was back on December 8 at the Prudential Center. Columbus won 5-3 in a redemptive win after losing their first meeting, 4-1, December 5.

The final fight of the 2017-2018 season is February 20 in New Jersey. As it stands, Columbus is 16-13-1-1 overall and 9-7-0-0 at Nationwide specifically.

Unable to overcome the 2-point deficit, the boys in blue lost last night against the Capitals 4-2. Washington scored first, but the Jackets quickly responded with a goal of their own from Pierre-Luc Dubois. Kuznetsov and Panarin scored next, but Beagle and Eller sealed Washington's victory.

With the loss, Columbus has lost their playoff position, and their losing streak extends to five games. Regardless, the Jackets haven't played poorly, so why doesn't the scoreboard show that?

"We're not far off at all," Columbus captain Nick Foligno said. "It's just a matter of, in order to get out of these, sometimes [you have to play] a full game, a full 60 minutes. It's weird. You can't play 59, and we've learned that."

With how close these standings are, Columbus can't afford to not play the entire 60 minutes. Any little slip up this late in the game will quickly lead to their downfall. In the last five games, they've tallied a total of 125 shots, and yet only managed seven goals.

The opposition's scoring opportunities came when the defensive play began to break down. In Friday's game, the Jackets had a turnover in Washington's zone where Kuznetsov was able give the Capitals a 2-1 lead with two seconds left in the period. It goes back to playing a full 60 minutes. A small mistake can and will effect the entirety of the game.

Nonetheless, tonight can be another chance for the Blue Jackets to get their acts together. They made poor decisions in front of their dads last night, and I'm sure they got an earful on the plane ride home.

On top of being the final night of the Father's Trip, tonight Columbus celebrates Hockey is For Everyone. June is still a few months away, but it's never too early to celebrate love. Happy Pride everyone! The Jackets will be hosting a party for members of the LGBT Community in the Sky Terrace which includes raffles, a free puck, pre-game and in-game experiences, and much more. Additionally, a member of the community will be making an appearance on the red carpet for the ceremonial puck drop.

The players will be showing their support with pride tape and pucks during warmups. Certain players' sticks will be auctioned off and the proceeds will be donated to the charity You Can Play and their efforts to ensure LGBT players, fans, and coaches safety and inclusion in all sports.

Members of the Columbus Gay Men's Choir will accompany Mr. Leo Welsh in singing the National Anthem. Furthermore, the team and league will honor individuals on the ice from various communities (Ohio Sled Hockey, Special Hockey, Columbus Ohio Gay Lesbian Ally Hockey Association, Columbus Ice Hockey Club, girls' hockey, adult hockey, high school hockey and youth hockey) before the game.

Puck drop is at 7:00! See you there!