The Blue Jackets rallied from a slow start against the Florida Panthers in their last game, but they will need a better start against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes are looking to make a push in the Metropolitan Division, as they are tied for fourth with Washington and just a point back of the New York Rangers. This is a big game for them at home against the division-leading Blue Jackets, and you can bet they will be ready. The Blue Jackets need to be prepared and need to look no further than their home-opener loss to these same Hurricanes – they like to start quick.
The good news is that the club should be getting both Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin (illness) back for this game. Jean-Francios Berube and Zac Dalpe, who were called up in place of the Blue Jackets' two sick stars, were sent back down Friday. Gabriel Carlsson was called up in a corresponding move.
PROJECTED LINES
Panarin – Dubois – Atkinson
Foligno – Jenner – Anderson
Bjorkstrand – Wennberg – Duclair
Hannikainen – Dubinsky – Nash
DEFENSEMEN
Murray – Jones
Nutivaara – Savard
Werenski – Carlsson
GOALTENDER
Bobrovsky
STORYLINES
- Gabriel Carlsson isn’t up here to sit. He should get a shot in place of Scott Harrington. Harrington hasn’t been great this season, and his 40.33% Corsi at 5-on-5 is the lowest among Blue Jackets regular skaters. Carlsson has been decent with the Monsters this season. He’s never going to be confused with Erik Karlsson, but six points in 12 games with Cleveland is solid production from him.
- The Blue Jackets had 14 players record a point against the Panthers. Carolina always plays the Jackets tough; in their only meeting this season, Carolina stymied the Blue Jackets offense, holding them to just a single goal. Panarin is back, but who can be sure how well he is feeling? The Blue Jackets are going to need the depth to step up and play well again.
- Special teams. The Blue Jackets' power play has been hot, scoring in their four prior games before an 0-1 last game. They will have a chance to play a big role in the game as Carolina has the 29th ranked penalty kill at 71.9%.
