The Columbus Blue Jackets might get a much-needed boost tonight against the New York Islanders, with Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson possibly returning to action.
It’s been a tough stretch for the Jackets, who are trying to snap a six-game losing skid.
Monahan’s return would be huge for Columbus. The 30-year-old center hasn’t played since hurting his wrist against Pittsburgh on January 7, but he was having an incredible season before getting injured. He put up 14 goals and 27 assists in just 41 games – the kind of numbers that made critics eat their words after questioning his free agent signing last summer.
The Brampton, Ontario native has been a big reason why the Blue Jackets are still in the playoff hunt when nobody expected them to be.
For Gudbranson, it’s been an even longer wait. The rugged defenseman has only played three games this season, last stepping on the ice way back on October 15 before shoulder surgery sidelined him.
The 33-year-old from Ottawa is coming off the best season of his career, when he racked up 6 goals and 20 assists in 78 games while bringing his trademark physical style.
Right now, Columbus sits just four points behind Montreal for the final playoff spot in the East. Getting these two veteran players back could be exactly what they need for their unexpected push toward the postseason.
Both players’ return would give the Blue Jackets some serious experience down the stretch – something they’ll definitely need if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
