A Critical Game?

This early in the NHL season, is it too early to call a game critical?  Not when it is the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Coming off of two back to back victories over the previous seasons Cup contenders ( the Hawks and the Flyers) the Jackets need to continue to win, especially when it comes to playing a team that has less talent than you do.  The Oilers have lost four in a row.  The Jackets should win this game.  They need to win this game.  It is as close to a critical game that you will get this early in the season