It didn't feel like the Columbus Blue Jackets would get back on track as quick as they did, but here we are.
18 games into the season after a wavy start, the Jackets are now sitting in first place in their division, and are two points away from moving themselves into fifth in the NHL in points.
The club is currently on a five-game point streak, dating back to a Nov. 4 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Since then, the Blue Jackets have scored a power play goal in four straight games, and have allowed only one goal in three out of the four.
Though the Panthers are tied for 23rd in the league in points, they are only five behind the Jackets, and have ripped off five straight victories; tonight won't be a cakewalk by any sorts.
PROJECTED LINES
Panarin – Dubois – Atkinson
Foligno – Jenner – Anderson
Bjorkstrand – Wennberg – Duclair
Hannikainen – Dubinsky – Nash
DEFENSEMEN
Werenski – Jones
Nutivaara – Savard
Carlsson – Harrington
GOALTENDER
TBD
STORYLINES
- The Blue Jackets recalled defenseman Gabriel Carlsson from the AHL on Wednesday, likely for the foggy news surrounding Ryan Murray. Murray was missing from practice on Wednesday, and was reported to be having a 'maintenance day'. Murray has having an extremely successful comeback season with 9 points in 18 games.
- Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has allowed less than one goal in five of his last six games dating back to his closeout of the Detroit Red Wings matchup on Oct. 30. In that time frame, his save percentage has been .952.
- It was also reported by Portzline on Wednesday that forward Artemi Panarin was missing from practice due to an illness. Panarin also appeared to be absent from a team trip on the same day to Nationwide Children's Hospital, meaning his illness might be enough to keep him out of the lineup tonight versus the Panthers, but that is still to be determined.
- The Florida Panthers are on a five-game winning streak, and have outscored their opponents 19-7 during that run. This will be the second game of a six-game road trip for the club.
