The Blue Jackets haven't played a hockey game in nine days.
In that time, you'd think a coach would have plenty of time to ruminate on potential lineup changes. John Tortorella probably did. But the Blue Jackets also aren't completely healthy on their blue line right now – which doesn't help matters. On top of that, they have a player in Vladislav Gavrikov who comes highly recommended but is also unproven (to the coach).
Some thought Gavrikov to be a candidate for Game 1 tonight against the Boston Bruins, but Tortorella said this morning there will be no lineup changes for the Blue Jackets.
John Tortorella says no Vladislav Gavrikov or Markus Nutivaara tonight for #CBJ. Same lineup as Game 4 in the first round.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) April 25, 2019
That means Adam Clendening, who played seven minutes in Game 4 against the Lightning, remains in the lineup along with Scott Harrington, whose game was up-and-down in the opening round. The Bruins, on home ice, are certainly going to look to exploit matchups against a banged-up Columbus defense, which is missing two top-four players (Ryan Murray and Markus Nutivaara) due to injury.
