The Columbus Blue Jackets just can't stop winning. They have their own personal Elvis to thank for all of it.
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23-19-4 (50 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7 P.M. – SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COLUMBUS, OH |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The Blue Jackets find themselves in the first wild card slot and are really controlling their own destiny. They will face off against a lowly New York Rangers team that is surprising and disappointing all at the same time.
The Rangers won their first meeting against the Blue Jackets but it is one of the few highs of their season. Former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin is playing some of the best hockey of his career and with it is elevating the team. Defenseman Tony DeAngelo is scoring like a top defenseman in the league.
On the other side of the coin, second overall pick Kappo Kakko was expected to ride high for the Rangers but is having a middling season. Their goaltender Alexander Georgiev is playing well and is somehow finding his name in the paper more often than not next to trade rumors. The Rangers are trying to find their voice and have great pieces, it now remains to be seen how it can be properly constructed.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Jenner–Foligno
Bemstrom–Dubois–Atkinson
Gerbe–Wennberg–Bjorkstrand
Robinson–Nash–Lilja
Defenseman
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Nutivaara–Harrington
Goalie: Merzlikins
Storylines
- Bjork! Oliver Bjorkstrand is back in the lineup getting activated off of the injured reserve. In a subsequent move, they have sent forward Kevin Stenlund down to the Cleveland Monsters. The Blue Jackets are getting healthy and right around the right time as well. Bjorkstrand will add some dynamic play and should solidify the offense.
- Atkin(son) Diet Forward Cam Atkinson has continued his hot streak after returning from injury putting up three points last night against the New Jersey Devils in a 5-0 rout. Atkinson was unable to find his form before he arrived back from injury but if this is any indication of how he will play, Atkinson may very well be the person the team should ride down the stretch.
- Elvis. Everything else has already been said. Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is playing some of the best hockey of his career. He has three shutouts in four starts and shows no signs of stopping now. To make matters even more interesting, the Blue Jackets have been completely lambasted with shots the past two games. Not only is he playing great but he is seeing an absurd amount of pucks as well. Elvis just won't leave the building.
