The Columbus Blue Jackets have a busy week ahead, with four games and plenty of chances to dig themselves out of last place in the NHL with 20 points.
While climbing from last place in the Central Division is not on the horizon because they trail the fourth-place Nashville Predators by 12 points, the Blue Jackets can get back on the right track after losing two straight, 4-3 in overtime to the Predators and 5-3 to the Boston Bruins.
First up are the 18-10-1 Vancouver Canucks, when the Blue Jackets hit the ice on Dec. 13. Then Columbus plays host on Dec. 15 to the 13-12-4 Los Angeles Kings, who have dropped four straight games. The Blue Jackets conclude their five-game homestand when they take on the 12-16-2 Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 17. They will leave Columbus as they travel to take on the 17-9-3 St. Louis Blues the next day, on Dec. 18.
If the season so far is any indication, this week will not be easy for Columbus. But with three more home games in a row, they need to take advantage before things turn even bleaker.