The Columbus Blue Jackets picked up an overtime victory against the Kings and now host the lowly New Jersey Devils at Nationwide.
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11–18–5 (27 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7 P.M. – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The Devils picked up two victories against the Coyotes and Ducks without Hall in the lineup, but are coming off a tough loss last night against the Washington Capitals.
While the Blue Jackets defense has been one of the few bright spots for the club this season, the Devils defense including P.K. Subban has been suspect.
On the offensive side of the ice, the Blue Jackets are seeing Dubois, Atkinson, Nyquist and Bjorkstrand coming alive of late. This is an important development as the Jackets have been lacking an offensive punch early in the season. Things will be tougher for the Jackets if Atkinson misses significant time due to an injury he suffered against the Kings.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Texier-Dubois-Robinson
Nyquist–Jenner–Bjorkstrand
Foligno-Wennberg-Atkinson
Dano–Nash–Stenlund
Defenseman
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Carlsson
Harrington–Kukan
Projected Starter: Korpisalo
Storylines
- Take advantage of the short rest. The Devils are coming off a game last night, while the Jackets have had a day to rest up a prepare for the game. The Jackets will need to be prepare for the early assault by the Devils, but if they are able to weather the storm, then the advantage should switch to the Jackets.
- Depth. The Blue Jackets depth is being tested due to all of the recent injuries and the depth has held up, but the injury bug continues to bite the Blue Jackets. The real test will be whether the depth can continue to hold up over the next few games.
- Pour it on. The Jackets have picked up 14 goals in their last four games. Due to the Jackets inability to limit goals against and the defense having a plethora of injuries, it is up to the offense to score as much as possible in order to pick up the win.
