The excitement is building as the Columbus Blue Jackets prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens at Nationwide Arena on December 23, 2024. This matchup not only pits two struggling teams against each other but also marks the highly anticipated return of former Blue Jackets star Patrik Laine.
Both teams enter the game with something to prove. The Blue Jackets, standing at 13-15-6 with 32 points, are just one point above the Canadiens, who sit at 14-16-3 and are eager to get their season back on track. With both clubs below the playoff line, every point is precious as they head toward the festive season.
Laine’s return to Columbus will undoubtedly add another layer of intrigue to this contest. After his departure from the Blue Jackets following an offseason trade, Laine has been on fire for the Canadiens, registering nine points, including eight goals, since his return to action.
Reflecting on his time with the Blue Jackets, Laine recently shared some candid thoughts. He expressed feeling trapped by the team’s culture, saying, "I feel like we were just doing the same thing year after year, you know? I was just tired of losing and just giving up when it’s December and we’ll start focusing on next year." These comments reveal how frustrations with the team's direction prompted him to seek new opportunities.
Entering the matchup, Laine leads the Canadiens’ power play scoring and hopes to make his mark against the team he struggled with for years, often hampered by injuries and inconsistencies. The Blue Jackets and Canadiens have already faced each other twice this season, with Montreal winning both previous encounters decisively. A 5-1 defeat at the Bell Centre back on November 16 was followed by a nail-biting 4-3 overtime thriller at Nationwide Arena just eleven days later. This game marks the final meeting of the season between the two franchises, and Montreal aims for the sweep.
Fans of the Blue Jackets, aware of Laine’s enduring popularity, will likely have mixed feelings. Many recall the goals and highlight-reel plays he delivered during his tenure, but his leaving still stings for those who pinpointed him as part of the team’s rebuilding plans. The consensus among commentators reflects this sentiment: "If there was any beef, it was with the previous management/coaching staff," indicating Laine's issues lie not with the fans but rather the internal dynamics of the organization.
On the ice, both teams have been forced to make adjustments. The Blue Jackets will look to counter Laine’s offense through their defensive corps, led by Zach Werenski and newcomer Damon Severson. The recent loss of key players to injury poses additional challenges for the Jackets, as they strive to maintain cohesion and focus.
The evening carries the potential for both sides to gain momentum heading toward the year-end. The Canadiens have shown signs of improvement recently, coming off three straight victories, including their latest against the Detroit Red Wings, where they showcased their capability of overwhelming opponents. Conversely, the Blue Jackets need to reverse their fortunes after struggling through intense periods of play, losing nine of their last thirteen games.
Fans tuning in can catch all the action through various broadcasting channels; locally, it will be aired on the FanDuel Sports Network, and regional radio coverage will be provided by 97.1 The Fan. With Steve Mears on play-by-play for the television audience and Bob McElligott leading radio commentary, every play will be captured as it happens.
The faceoff is set for 7:00 PM EST, and as playoff aspirations slowly dwindle for both teams, the intensity of this game will not be taken lightly. Laine’s emotional recollections of his time with Columbus will resonate through the arena as he seeks to solidify his place as a scoring leader for the Canadiens.
With both set to lay everything on the line, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate what should be another thrilling chapter between these two franchises. The stakes are high for Laine against the background of his past, making this contest one of the must-see games leading up to the holiday break.
