The Blue Jackets were smoked by the Islanders yesterday, and are right back into it vs the Wild on Friday. The Wild will also be in a back to back situation. The Blue Jackets gave up 6 and the Wild 5 goals against. These two teams are top 10 offensively, but both would have be considered defensively challenged. The Wild have won a pair after a prolonged dark stretch, and are normally a very good home team. They now have challengers for a playoff spot, so motivation should favor them. They will play their back up goalie tomorrow. The Jackets will star Merzlikins, who has had very little support this season.

This is a perfect opportunity for the Wild to get that offense rolling. I don’t see Columbus being shut out twice in a row. Both teams have given up, on average, better than 4 goals against lately. Here is another match-up destined for the over.