We'll have to wait until late November for a Jack Johnson reunion...sorry to break it to you.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are facing off with the Pittsburgh Penguins in their fourth preseason game of the year later this afternoon, and their former defenseman is sitting this one out. Likely a smart move based on the odd drama earlier this summer.
Okay, that can of worms doesn't need to be opened again. We apologize.
Let's get right down to it: here's a quick preview of what you need to know ahead of this afternoon:
MATCHUP:
Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, 3:00 p.m.
Watch & Listen: NHL Network / CD102.5
PREVIOUS SEASON RESULTS:
Columbus:
45-30-7 (97 points), Finished 4th in NHL Metropolitan Division
Goals For: 242 (16th), Goals Against: 230 (10th)
Pittsburgh:
47-29-6 (100 points), Finished 2nd in NHL Metropolitan Division
Goals For: 272 (4th of 31), Goals Against: 250 (20th of 31)
LINEUPS FOR TONIGHT:
Columbus:
#CBJ vs. #Pens lineup for Saturday... pic.twitter.com/B618NTC5MT
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 21, 2018
Pittsburgh:
The Penguins announced their lineup for Saturday's preseason game vs. the Blue Jackets: pic.twitter.com/wndV5GDdd6
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) September 21, 2018
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Columbus:
Kevin Stenlund, Forward
"Who is this Stenlund kid?"
This seemed to be the constant chatter going around the Blue Jackets community during the Traverse City prospects tournament, where Stenlund scored in all four of his games, totaling up to five goals and two assists, including three points in the championship game.
Stenlund led the club in points for the tournament and was tied for second amongst all players in the tournament.
Not bad for the 58th overall pick in 2015, especially one who was averaging about 20-30 points in almost 50 games for a few years straight in the SHL. Someone find out what this kid's summer training consisted of.
Pittsburgh:
Daniel Sprong, Forward
The No. 1 prospect in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization according to NHL.com, Sprong is ready to make his mark on the on the big stage. The 21-year-old was taken in the 2015 NHL Draft by the penguins, and is believed to by many to make the Penguins roster this year.
Last season, in his eight games with Pittsburgh, Sprong had three points. Most of his time was spend with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL), where he racked up 65 points in as many games. Keep an eye on this youngster; it'd just somehow make sense if Sidney Crosby gets him 100 goals this year. We kid. Kind of.
