Arizona @ Columbus preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 7, 2019 ) Columbus 3, Arizona 2

The Columbus Blue Jackets are nearly one-third of the way into the season and have been unable to generate any consistency, as evidenced by 17 one-goal games in their first 26. Columbus is starting to play better at Nationwide Arena and will go for its sixth victory in its last seven games at home against the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night.

The Blue Jackets have alternated wins and losses in their last six games after dropping a 2-0 decision at the New York Islanders on Saturday, a defeat exacerbated by an injury to standout defenseman Zack Werenski. "It's a big loss for us," said coach John Tortorella of Werenski, who is expected to be sidelined a month due to an sprained AC joint in his shoulder. Unlike the Blue Jackets, the Coyotes have struggled in their own arena but have earned points in eight of their last nine away from home (6-1-2) entering the opener of a four-game road trip. “If you think the month of November was hard, it’s going to get harder," coach Rick Tocchet said. "We can’t let our foot off the gas pedal. We’ve got to stay consistent and keep the losing streaks to a minimum.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Arizona-Plus, FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE COYOTES (15-9-4): Arizona's power play was making an impact, converting on 5 of 12 chances before failing on its lone opportunity Friday versus Vegas and whiffing on three attempts in Saturday's 4-2 loss to San Jose. "That's really frustrating, especially when you're on the power play, you want to take ownership and you want to make that play to help the team, and we've got to be better on that," forward Nick Schmaltz said. Schmaltz, who has a team-high 20 points, ended a 17-game goal drought Saturday.

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (11-11-4): Werenski was in the midst of his best offensive stretch of the season with 10 points in nine games before he was hurt, leaving a gaping hole along the blue line. Tortorella said Monday that Scott Harrington, who appeared in 73 games last season, would draw into the lineup Tuesday. "Z is a very big player for our team, and it's real bad that he's out," defenseman Dean Kukan said. "But other guys, we have to step up and try to make things happen out there and play with confidence."

OVERTIME

1. Blue Jackets F Gustav Nyquist had a goal and two assists in Columbus' 3-2 win at Arizona on Nov. 7.

2. Coyotes G Darcy Kuemper fell to 1-3-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average versus Columbus with last month's loss.

3. Blue Jackets D Markus Nutivaara, out since Nov. 5, skated with the team Monday for the first time since he was hurt.

PREDICTION: Blue Jackets 3, Coyotes 2