In the least shocking news of all time, John Tortorella has switched his lines up.
He's been forced to, at least with the defensive pairs, because Zach Werenski will miss tomorrow's game. However, Tortorella has also made some changes offensively. After practice today, Tortorella said that "[lineup decisions are] going to come down to merit here, and I think that'll simplify things."
New Lines
The blender has returned. Liam Foudy will draw in tomorrow against Carolina, and Mikhail Grigorenko will sit, despite having three points in his last two games.
On Thursday night, the line that saw the most success was Laine-Roslovic-Atkinson, so they'll play together again tomorrow. Elsewhere, Max Domi has moved to the wing on a line centered by Alexandre Texier, with Oliver Bjorkstrand stationed on the right.
#CBJ this morning in line rushes
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 6, 2021
Laine-Roslovic-Atkinson
Domi-Texier-Bjorkstrand
Foligno-Nash-Robinson
Jenner-Koivu-Foudy
Kukan-Jones
Gavrikov-Savard
Harrington-Del Zotto
Carlsson-Peeke
Korpisalo/Kivlenieks
Grigorenko and Stenlund also skating.
Captain Nick Foligno will play with Riley Nash and Eric Robinson, who has had a strong start to the season. Boone Jenner, Mikko Koivu, and Liam Foudy will make up the de facto fourth line.
Defensively, Dean Kukan has moved up to the top pair, and Scott Harrington skated on the third pair with Michael Del Zotto, who has quietly been one of the Blue Jackets' best players this season.
Werenski Out
Late in the third period of Thursday's game vs. Dallas, Werenski headed down the tunnel briefly after a hit from Alexander Radulov, but returned to the bench. He didn't see the ice for the rest of the game.
Torts on Zach Werenski: "Zach is banged up. He's out for tomorrow. Waiting for more information. He will not play tomorrow." #CBJ
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 6, 2021
Joonas Korpisalo's Consistency
With Elvis Merzlikins out, Korpisalo will have to shoulder a heavier load. Matiss Kivlenieks will now be the backup, and while he's proved he's capable at the NHL level, he's not at Merzlikins' level yet.
"[Korpisalo]'s been really good, right from day 1 here," said Tortorella. "He's had to wait his turn, when Bob was here, and then Elvis came onto the scene. Korpi didn't say shit. He just played. He's been our most consistent player."
The Finnish netminder is 3-2-2 this season with a 2.86 GAA and .914 save percentage.
