There's a big opportunity awaiting the Blue Jackets tonight in Nashville.
If Columbus (43-30-4, 90 pts.) can defeat the Nashville Predators (44-28-6, 94 pts.), it'll be their fourth win in a row — and another valuable two points earned in the race for a playoff spot. The Blue Jackets are coming off of a huge 6-2 win against Montreal on Thursday night.
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| NASHVILLE PREDATORS |
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44–28–6 94 points ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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8 P.M. – SATURDAY, MARCH 30 BRIDGESTONE ARENA NASHVILLE, TENN. |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The Predators have won two in a row coming into tonight's battle, most recently defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, 3-1. Former Blue Jacket Ryan Johansen leads Nashville in points this season, with 62 (12G, 50A).
These two teams have met once prior this season, with the Blue Jackets claiming a 4-3 OT victory at Nationwide Arena on January 10th. Artemi Panarin scored the game winner.
Here are the projected lines for tonight's clash.
Forwards
Panarin - Dubois - Atkinson
Dzingel - Duchene - Anderson
Jenner - Wennberg - Bjorkstrand
Foligno - Nash - Dubinsky
Defensemen
Werenski - Jones
Nutivaara - Savard
Kukan - Harrington
Goaltenders
Bobrovsky/Korpisalo
It'll be the same lineup Columbus rolled out on Thursday night against Montreal, with one exception — Scott Harrington will draw in for Adam McQuaid, who was injured by a blindside hit from Andrew Shaw on Thursday night and did not travel with the club to Nashville.
Storylines
- The Blue Jackets have gotten offensive contributions from unlikely sources recently. In their last game against Montreal, they got goals from David Savard, Riley Nash, and Brandon Dubinsky — quite the unlikely trio. They have four lines that are all operating at a high level. Nashville will have their hands full trying to pick and choose their matchups, because the Columbus Blue Jackets forwards are flying as of late. The offensive depth is great for Columbus — anyone can contribute at any time.
- Sergei Bobrovsky will get the start for Columbus, and it appears the Blue Jackets are content to "ride-or-die" with Bob. The Russian netminder has played some of his best hockey recently. In his last six starts, he has a 5-1 record, 3 shutouts, and a .950 save percentage. He'll have to be hot tonight against the potent offensive talent that the Predators possess.
- Thursday night's victory over Montreal will have emotions running high as the Blue Jackets step on the ice tonight, but they'll need to hop off of the euphoric wave and get back to business — just one loss could see them slide right back out of the playoff spot they've worked so hard to get back into.
