(AP) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets pride themselves on team defense and goaltending. Those two facets of their of game have been absent lately, with a season high-tying three-game losing streak the result.
Columbus tries to end a five-game road trip on a positive note and snap the Ottawa Senators' four-game home win streak Thursday night when the teams meet for the only time this season.
Despite ranking 21st in the league last season with 2.68 goals per game, the Blue Jackets (12-8-3) had a franchise-best 92 points and reached the playoffs for the first time due mainly to Steve Mason's stellar goaltending and a defense that ranked among the NHL's best. (MORE)