The Columbus Blue Jackets are taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins once again. The two of them can't get rid of one another. It provides a tune-up for the Blue Jackets for opening night, however, this won't be a normal preseason game it should have a little more pep in its step.
Let's get right down to it. Here's a quick preview of what you need to know for this evening's affair:
MATCHUP:
Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets
Nationwide Arena, 7:00 p.m.
Watch & Listen: NHL Network (BlueJackets.com, FOX Sports Go) / CD 102.5 FM
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 lines in practice:
— Brian Hedger (@JacketsInsider) September 27, 2018
Panarin-Dubois-Atkinson
Foligno-Wennberg-Bjorkstrand
Jenner-Dubinsky-Anderson
Milano-Nash-Duclair
Stenlund working in on multiple lines.
Pittsburgh:
#Pens bringing a pretty good lineup to Columbus for Friday’s game ... #CBJ pic.twitter.com/DHzthacA1c
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 28, 2018
WHO TO WATCH FOR:
Columbus:
Anthony Duclair, Forward
With most of the Blue Jackets' forward lineup set, it will be interesting to see who solidifies themselves in the mix. Anthony Duclair had a great game at Kraft Hockeyville, but the name of the game with Duclair has always been consistency.
Against a solid Penguins club, it's an opportunity for the Blue Jackets (and close to their opening night lineup) to see how they stack up. It's going to be "contender vs. contender," and you can make your way into John Tortorella's good graces with a solid game tonight.
Pittsburgh:
Sidney Crosby, Forward
Ever heard of this guy? He is pretty good, or so we hear. He'll be making his way to Columbus and should provide a solid test. Crosby isn't a player that takes time off, and he is going to try and do his best to squash a Blue Jackets coming out party while getting into form for the regular season.
The Blue Jackets will be shorthanded on the backend, and this game should provide the biggest test to date for players that are sitting just on the bubble.
