COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistency through the opening weeks of the season, and Saturday night's matchup with the Vegas Golden Knights won't make things any easier. Columbus returns to Nationwide Arena looking to end a two-game losing streak against one of the Western Conference's better teams.

The Blue Jackets (3-5-0) have lost four of their last five games and enter Saturday in last place in the Metropolitan Division. Vegas (8-4-0) sits second in the Pacific Division, although the Golden Knights arrive in Columbus having lost their last two games by identical 6-2 scores.

Columbus is coming off a disappointing 6-2 loss of their own, this one to Toronto on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets jumped ahead when Jake Christiansen scored just 2:38 into the game, but the Maple Leafs responded with five consecutive goals to take control.

The loss was another example of Columbus' defensive struggles. Toronto scored four goals in less than 10 minutes during the second period, turning a close contest into a rout. Goaltender Jet Greaves was pulled after allowing five goals on 19 shots, and the Blue Jackets never recovered.

The second period has been a disaster for Columbus this season. Through eight games, the Blue Jackets have been outscored 15-3 in the middle period, repeatedly allowing opponents to take control of games. That will have to change against a Vegas team capable of scoring in bunches.

The Blue Jackets have also struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Columbus put 37 shots on goal against Toronto but managed only two goals. The team has generated chances at times, but finishing those opportunities remains a concern.

Charlie Coyle has been one of the team's more productive players, leading Columbus with seven points on one goal and six assists. Coyle scored his first goal of the season against Toronto, while Zach Werenski continues to provide offensive production from the blue line.

Columbus will need more contributions throughout the lineup, especially from its top offensive players. Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Matthew Knies, and Sean Monahan all have the ability to contribute, but the Blue Jackets need to find a way to turn their scoring opportunities into goals more consistently.

Vegas presents a difficult challenge despite its recent losses. The Golden Knights have scored 45 goals through 12 games, an average of 3.75 per contest, and possess one of the league's most dangerous attacks.

Jack Eichel leads Vegas offensively, while captain Mark Stone has also been productive early in the season. Both players are more than capable of creating scoring chances, and Columbus will need to limit their opportunities if they hope to keep the game close.

The Golden Knights will likely be without another important offensive weapon Saturday. Mitch Marner is expected to miss the game as he and his wife await the birth of their second child. Marner ranks third on the team in scoring, and his absence would remove one of Vegas' top playmakers from the lineup.

Still, Vegas has enough offensive depth to create problems. The Golden Knights scored six goals in each of their two games before the current losing streak and have already shown they can overwhelm opposing defenses when their offense gets rolling.

With a three-game road trip beginning Tuesday in Philadelphia, Saturday offers Columbus an opportunity to regain some confidence before leaving home. Another loss would push the Blue Jackets further behind in the Metropolitan Division, while a victory against a strong Vegas team could provide some much-needed momentum.

Game Information

Prediction

Both teams enter Saturday trying to recover from disappointing 6-2 losses, but Vegas is the more complete team at this early stage of the season. Columbus should be able to create scoring opportunities against a Golden Knights defense that has struggled recently, although the Blue Jackets' own defensive problems remain a major concern. Expect a competitive game early before Vegas' depth makes the difference.

Vegas Golden Knights 4, Columbus Blue Jackets 3