It's been two games since the Columbus Blue Jackets have conceded a goal. The team also has 3 goals in two straight, coming from a healthy mix of NHL regulars and call-ups from AHL Cleveland.
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27–17–2 (56 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7 P.M. – THURSDAY, JANUARY 16 NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The biggest story for the Columbus Blue Jackets, aside from the bevy of injuries faced by the team, is the strong play of their rookie goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins. Since taking over the starting role in late December, Merzlikins has 6 wins and only 2 losses, sporting a .950 save percentage in that time.
Tonight, Elvis Merzlikins and the Columbus Blue Jackets will face a great challenge to their recently successful ways against their Metropolitan Division foe, the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes currently sit in a playoff position, their team success due to strong performances from winger Teovu Teravainen and defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
The Blue Jackets and Hurricanes have met twice so far this season, the Blue Jackets winning both contests by a narrow margin.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Dubois–Gerbe
Foligno–Jenner–Milano
Bemstrom–Wennberg–Stenlund
Robinson–Nash–Lilja
Defenseman
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Nutivaara–Harrington
Goalie: Merzlikins
Storylines
- Elvis' Twin Shutouts. Blue Jacket goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins, hasn't had a goal scored on him since January 9th in the 3rd period of the loss to San Jose. Since then, Merzlikins has been tremendous behind stout defensive performances from the Columbus defense.
- Wennberg's Streaking. Alexander Wennberg, often maligned for his propensity for not shooting the puck, has a two-game goal-scoring streak. The streak is the second such of his career, the Swedish center having a two-game streak from January 31st and February 3rd in 2017.
- Stenlund's Got Power. Swedish winger, Kevin Stenlund, didn't begin the NHL season in Columbus, but since his call-up, he has impressed the club. His most prolific moments have come on the Blue Jackets' power play. Stenlund has 4-2-6 in 15 games and 3 of those goals have been on the power play. His play has been a welcome addition to the oft-struggling Columbus power play.
