As soon as the Columbus Blue Jackets schedule released, NHL media and fans alike had tonight's match-up circled. No, not because of any Metropolitan division rivalry, but because - of course - it is the first game in which Artemi Panarin will return to Nationwide Arena after leaving the Blue Jackets in free agency this summer.
 |
| New York Rangers |
|
13–10–3 (29 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
|
|
|
7 P.M. – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th Nationwide Arena COLUMBUS, OH |
|
|
|
FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
While the Panarin narrative has been well-documented, it remains as the top story for tonight's game. How will the crowd react? How will the team respond to the player who willingly left a competitive club?
The Blue Jackets are in the midst of a losing skid where goals have been hard to come by. But trouble scoring goals has been a concern all season for the team. Despite having a few 5 goal games recently, the Blue Jackets still rank 3rd to last in the NHL in goals scored per game with 2.52. Perhaps the narrative of tonight's match-up provides a goal-scoring spark.
Despite the addition of Panarin, the Rangers have struggled this season. Currently, they sit only 3 points and one place in front of the Blue Jackets in the division standings. On the season, Panarin has a stat line of 12-21-33 in 26 games played.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Jenner–Bjorkstrand
Foligno–Texier–Atkinson
Milano–Dubois–Anderson
Wennberg–Nash–Robinson
Defenseman
Kukan–Jones
Murray–Savard
Gavrikov–Harrington
Projected starter: Korpisalo
Scratches: Bemstrom
Storylines
- Bread's Back. As discussed above, the Bread-man returns to Columbus, Ohio tonight after turning down multiple, lucrative contract offers and leaving the team in free agency.
- Tex Holds at Center. Alexandre Texier played Tuesday night's contest against the Coyotes pivoting wingers Foligno and Atkinson. Playing center for the first time in the NHL, Texier performed well tallying his first goal in 6 games. Tortorella in his post-game press conference said that Texier will stay at center for the time being.
- Cam's Trials. Cam Atkinson has struggled, among other veteran players, to capitalize on premier scoring chances this season. Despite leading the team in shots, he only has one 5-on-5 goal this season. Last season, many attributed his 41-goal performance to being on the same line as Panarin. As tonight's game sees Panarin return, perhaps Atkinson will find some extra motivation to prove those pundits wrong.
