The Columbus Blue Jackets are technically streaking right now. They have points in nine straight games despite some overtime losses.
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| CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS |
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16–17–6 (38 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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5 P.M. – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 NATIONWIDE ARENA Columbus, OH. |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
It's an interesting spot to be in considering the fact that the Blue Jackets have been without so many important players. They have been filling the lineup in bit by bit with Cleveland Monsters and have done an admirable job keeping them above water.
Despite it all, the Blue Jackets are still in the hunt. They aren't far off the wild card but they need to continue with their strong play to maintain. They have a hole to dig themselves out of and they're doing their best to get of it.
The Blackhawks have also lost a lot of players due to injuries and unlike the Blue Jackets, they are slipping down the standings. Jonathan Toews and others are still impact players and with it, they are players to watch. While they aren't at their absolute best, they still have players that can hurt you in different ways.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Texier–Dubois–Robinson
Foligno–Wennberg–Gerbe
Nyquist–Jenner–Stenlund
Lilja–Nash–MacInnis
Defensemen
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Kukan–Harrington
Goalie: Korpisalo
Scratches: Carlsson
Storylines
- Play your game: The Blue Jackets have a defensive style of game this year and because of it, they have been able to stay in games. They haven't been run out of the building many other times this season and if they continue to play their game, the points will come.
- Avoid the run and gun: The Blue Jackets don't often allow other teams to dictate their game. With Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Alex Debrincat, they're going to push the pace and make it tough on Columbus to stay within their shell.
- Korpi Rises: Joonas Korpisalo is in the zone and with it, the Blue Jackets are going to ride him until they can't anymore. He is playing up to the potential that the Blue Jackets always saw in him and his save percentage continues to rise. The pucks are starting to go the Blue Jackets way, they need to use it if they want to make the playoffs.
