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6-4-4 (16 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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8:00 P.M. – THURSDAY, FEB. 11 UNITED CENTER CHICAGO, IL |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
If the Columbus Blue Jackets were a reality show, they would likely be nominated for an Emmy.
Monday's benching of Patrik Laine by head coach John Tortorella would have given them the opportunity for an acceptance speech.
Despite both parties saying that the incident is in the past, expect the play of Laine and the dynamic between the sniper and his coach to receive plenty of attention when the Blue Jackets make their second trip of the season to Chicago for the first of a pair against the Blackhawks.
Chicago, despite being decimated by injuries at a level that the Blue Jackets experienced last season, is off to a surprising start. They've lost just once in regulation over their last ten games, and despite being picked by nearly everyone to finish near the bottom of the standings, are holding onto 3rd place at the quarter-point of the season.
Thursday's game will see a different look for the Blue Jackets lineup, as it's the clubs first game since the surprise retirement of Mikko Koivu, and all signs point to young defenseman Andrew Peeke making his season debut on the third blue line pairing.
Columbus Blue Jackets Projected Lines
| LW | C | RW | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | Patrik Laine | 96 | Jack Roslovic | 13 | Cam Atkinson |
| 16 | Max Domi | 11 | Kevin Stenlund | 28 | Oliver Bjorkstrand |
| 25 | Mikhail Grigorenko | 42 | Alexandre Texier | 38 | Boone Jenner |
| 71 | Nick Foligno | 20 | Riley Nash | 50 | Eric Robinson |
| LD | RD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Vladislav Gavrikov | 3 | Seth Jones |
| 4 | Scott Harrington | 58 | David Savard |
| 15 | Michael Del Zotto | 2 | Andrew Peeke |
| Goalie | Backup | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Joonas Korpisalo | 33 | Cam Johnson |
STORYLINES
- YOU ALREADY KNOW THIS ONE: Following Laine's benching, Jack Roslovic had a prediction for tonight's game: "I know [Laine]'s going to be one of the best players next game, if not the best." Let's hope he's right.
- UP FOR GRABS: With the retirement of Mikko Koivu, the Blue Jackets have a regular roster spot up for grabs. First crack looks to go to Kevin Stenlund, who has been sneakily impressive in his limited time with the team. He's projected to be on the second line tonight, paired with Max Domi and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
- CLEAR YOUR ZONE: The Blue Jackets absolutely, positively, must be better at handling the puck in their own zone. Getting the puck out of their own zone doomed the club in their last trip to Chicago, and it's a problem that continues to lead to goals for the opposing teams. If Columbus can take care of business in their own zone, they have an opportunity to put together a nice streak now that the offense seems to be finding its way.
