New York @ Columbus preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 5, 2019 ) Columbus 3, NY Rangers 2

The Columbus Blue Jackets knew they faced a pair of daunting challenges entering the season, namely finding a way to replace their leading scorer and two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender. Offense has been an enormous hurdle for the Blue Jackets and they will get a reminder why when they host the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Columbus, which has scored twice in back-to-back losses to the New York Islanders and Arizona Coyotes, ranks 28th in the league with an average of 2.52 goals. “It's been like that almost the whole season," Blue Jackets defenseman Dean Kukan said. "We can't score goals. That's the main issue we have." One of the reasons Columbus has that issue is the loss of Artemi Panarin, who topped the team in scoring last season and leads the Rangers with 12 goals and 33 points. "Pretty excited," Panarin said Wednesday of his return to Nationwide Arena. "Of course it’s not a regular game for me. A different game. Try to show the best I can.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG2 (New York), FS Ohio (Columbus)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (13-10-3): New York's struggling power play failed on six chances in Monday's 4-1 loss to Vegas and has converted on 1 of 14 opportunites in the past three games. Coach David Quinn juggled his power play at Wednesday's practice, moving rookie Kaapo Kakko to the No. 1 unit in place of Ryan Strome. "I like being in that spot," said Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft. "I played that spot (earlier) in the season. It’s good for me. I have a good (angle) for a shot, so I have to shoot more."

ABOUT THE BLUE JACKETS (11-12-4): With Zach Werenski expected to be sidelined a month after he was injured in Saturday's loss to the Islanders, Kukan was elevated alongside Seth Jones on Columbus' top defensive pairing. The 26-year-old from Switzerland responded with his first goal of the season and his career on Monday while also halting an 11-game point drought. "I think I had a good game," Kuhan said. "I have good confidence right now. So yeah, making plays out there and feeling really good."

OVERTIME

1. Panarin has been held off the scoresheet in the past two games after collecting at least one point in 16 of his previous 17.

2. Blue Jackets F Cam Atkinson, a 41-goal scorer last season, has tallied once in 17 games.

3. Rangers G Alexandar Georgiev, who blanked New Jersey in his last start, will get the nod Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Blue Jackets 2