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Goalie nods: Bobrovsky looks to put rough stretch behind him

Columbus Blue Jackets v Anaheim Ducks

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 28: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in goal during the third period of a 4-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on October 28, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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It was a forgettable month of January for All-Star Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

After a terrific opening three months, Bobrovsky went just 4-4 in January while posting a mediocre .908 save percentage. Not surprisingly, the Blue Jackets cooled off following their torrid start, which led to some griping from head coach John Tortorella.

But things could be trending back in the right direction.

Bobrovsky has won two of his last three, making 80 saves on 86 shots for a .930 save percentage. Tonight’ he’ll get to build on that with a home date against the Rangers at Nationwide -- a club he’s had some success against. Earlier this season, he made 25 saves in a 4-2 victory, and it’s worth noting he’s been very good at home this season, boasting an 18-6-0 record.

It’s no secret that Bobrovsky is hugely important to the Jackets, and it’s fair to suggest how far they go this season is entirely dependent on him. He’s been an absolute workhorse for Tortorella this season, sitting eighth in the NHL in games played (44) and sixth in shots faced (1254).

For the Rangers, Antti Raanta gets the nod tonight.

Elsewhere...

-- Just one other game on the ledger, as the Coyotes travel to Calgary to take on the Flames. Mike Smith is back in goal for Arizona, after he beat the defending champion Penguins in a shootout on Saturday. For the Flames, Chad Johnson will start after he also beat the Penguins in his last start, a 33-save effort last Tuesday.