The Columbus Blue Jackets have points in three straight games and look to extend that streak against the Detroit Red Wings tonight. The team also looks to capitalize on the momentum gained from last night's dominating performance against their Metropolitan Division rival in the Washington Capitals.
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| DETROIT RED WINGS |
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9–23–3 (21 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7:30 P.M. – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH LITTLE CAESARS ARENA DETROIT, MICHIGAN |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The Blue Jackets are playing well with a lineup challenged by injury. Josh Anderson, Ryan Murray, Markus Nutivaara, Emil Bemstrom, and Zach Werenski are all out of the lineup, but the young team has found ways to get points in their stead.
The Detroit Red Wings have struggled so far this season, currently sitting in last place in the NHL with 21 points, 4 points behind the nearest team.
The Blue Jackets and Red Wings have met once so far this season. On November 11th, the Blue Jackets beat the Deteoit club 5-4 behind the strong performances of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Cam Atkinson.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Texier-Dubois-Robinson
Nyquist–Jenner–Bjorkstrand
Foligno-Wennberg-Atkinson
Dano–Nash–Stenlund
Defensemen
Kukan–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Harrington–Peeke
Projected Starter: Merzlikins
Storylines
- 18-42-50 Stay Hot. Over the last two games, the line of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alexandre Texier, and Eric Robinson have combined for eight points. Once assembled after the slew of injuries in Saturday's game in Ottawa, the line found instant chemistry. However, while the line has played well, the Blue Jackets will look to see if the young unit can remain consistent, especially in a back-to-back situation.
- Bjorkstrand Ramping Up. Blue Jackets forward, Oliver Bjorkstrand, has elevated his play as of late. But until recently, he didn't have much to show for it on the score sheet. In last night's game, his chances began to fall leading to his first multi-goal game of the season. He is now second on the team in goals scored, one behind leader Pierre-Luc Dubois.
- Defensive Depth. With injuries to three NHL-regular defensemen, the Blue Jacket defense core has shown it's depth. Dean Kukan, Andrew Peeke, and Scott Harrington have all performed admirably in the place of Zach Werenski, Markus Nutivaara, and Ryan Murray. Both Nutivaara and Werenski are close to returning from injury, so we will see how their return will affect the players who have performed well while they were away.
