The Blue Jackets' propensity for blowing leads and throwing away valuable points has become the theme of the early season.

As the Columbus Blue Jackets continue their rebuild, they have two major contract decisions that are due before the season ends. Firstly, top-line center Adam Fantilli is set to become a restricted free agent upon the expiration of his entry-level deal at the end of the season.

Brendan Smith, Luca Pinelli to make special debuts for Columbus Blue Jackets; Zach Werenski will play through injury against Toronto Maple Leafs.

Columbus forward Mathieu Olivier left the game late in the first period with an upper-body injury, and defenseman Zach Werenski left late in the second period with an upper-body injury. The Blue Jackets were already playing without forward Kirill Marchenko, who left the morning skate with an upper-body injury.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are on the road to take on the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. The Washington Capitals come into this game with a 5-4-1 record in their last 10 games, having lost three of their last six. They lost last Saturday night to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube is taking the glass half-full approach and was complimentary of his team’s renewed efforts following a 2-1 overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

BOTTOM LINE: The Columbus Blue Jackets look to end their three-game losing streak when they play the Pittsburgh Penguins. Columbus has gone 11-9-4 overall with a 1-4-1 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Blue Jackets are 5-0-2 in games they score at least one power-play goal.

Smith's road back to the NHL hasn't been easy, but his perseverance has paid off and helped him set an example for those he cares for most.