GAME DAY SCORECARD Blue Jackets vs. Ducks
NATIONWIDE ARENA
TV: Fox Sports Ohio (HD)
Radio: WBNS-FM (97.1)
The series
The Blue Jackets are 17-15-1-3 against Anaheim, including 9-8-1 in Nationwide Arena. This is the first of four meetings this season.
The setup
After getting thumped in their home opener against the Blackhawks last Friday, the Blue Jackets feel that they owe one to the denizens of Nationwide Arena tonight. ... These Ducks are the opposite of a typical Randy Carlye-coached club. They are 29th in the NHL in goals against (3.67 per game), 30th in shots against (42.5) and 28th in faceoff wins (42.7 percent). ... The Jackets haven't beaten Anaheim at home in regulation since the season-opener in 2007-08.
aportzline@dispatch.com
Columbus Blue Jackets at a glance
* Record: 2-2-0
* Power play: 10.5 percent (22nd in NHL)
* Penalty kill: 76.2 percent (24th)
* Player to watch: Antoine Vermette had two goals, seven assists and a plus-6 rating in four games against the Ducks last season.
* Injury update: D Kris Russell (lower body) and D Anton Stralman (sprained shoulder) are questionable. D Mike Commodore (broken thumb), RW Jared Boll (back spasms) and C Andrew Murray (sprained knee) are out.
Anaheim Ducks at a glance
* Record: 2-3-1
* Power play: 26.1 percent (sixth)
* Penalty kill: 77.4 percent (23rd)
* Player to watch: Ryan Getzlaf has eight goals, 16 assists and a plus-11 rating in 19 career games vs. Columbus, including two winning goals.
* Injury update: D Cam Fowler (broken nose) is probable. D Andy Sutton (broken thumb) and RW Joffrey Lupul (blood infection) are out.
