Coming into this game, the Columbus Blue Jackets had lost three straight, including a 3-1 loss against the New Jersey Devils just two nights prior. The boys in blue were looking to improve in two specific areas: the power play and the penalty kill. Over those three losses the Jackets were 60% on the penalty kill and 0% on the power play. Special teams needed to turn around if the Jackets were to return to winning.
Jakub Voracek was honored for his 1,000th game before puck drop. He reached this milestone in the previous game.