A coaching change has brought a new sense of promise for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The play of goaltender Steve Mason has also helped.
Trying to work their way into playoff position, the Blue Jackets look for a season-high fourth consecutive victory when they host the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night.
Though Columbus (25-27-9) has the second-fewest points in the Western Conference with 59, it believes it might have a chance to get back in the race based on its play over the last week.
The Blue Jackets are 3-0 since Claude Noel replaced the fired Ken Hitchcock as coach Feb. 3. Their last two wins have come against two playoff-caliber teams, 4-0 over Buffalo on Saturday and 3-0 over West-leading San Jose on Wednesday.
Montreal Canadiens@Philadelphia Flyers/Nashville Predators@New Jersey Devils/Vancouver Canucks@Columbus Blue Jackets/New York Rangers@Pittsburgh Penguins/Toronto Maple Leafs@St. Louis Blues/Atlanta Thrashers@Minnesota Wild/Phoenix Coyotes@Colorado Avalanche