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| CAROLINA HURRICANES |
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20–7–2 (41 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7:00 P.M. – SATUDAY, MAR. 20 PNC ARENA RALEIGH, NC |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS |
It wasn't pretty but it got the job done.
The Blue Jackets took the Hurricanes to overtime where a Seth Jones goal gave them the win. They dominated in the first frame and were able to withstand a barrage from the Hurricanes in the extra frame.
They need to start stringing together wins in the worst way if they would like a chance at a playoff spot. They are fighting for their playoff lives every night and each win could determine how they act at the trade deadline.
They are playing well on the back of Oliver Bjorkstrand who had another multi point game. They also rode Seth Jones to two goals. A lot of star players have laid dormant this season and strong play from the top players is going to be the difference.
The Hurricanes are hoping that Sebastian Aho can continue his strong play. They were without Vincent Trocheck who has been a pivotal player for them this season. Luckily they have plenty of players that can contribute in his stead making it even more difficult to defend defensively. Simply put, this Hurricanes team is good and they can beat you in a multitude of ways.
Here's a look at tonight's projected (and subject to change) lines for Columbus:
Columbus Blue Jackets Projected Lines
| LW | C | RW | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Max Domi | 96 | Jack Roslovic | 13 | Cam Atkinson |
| 28 | Oliver Bjorkstrand | 71 | Nick Foligno | 29 | Patrik Laine |
| 38 | Boone Jenner | 20 | Riley Nash | 52 | Emil Bemstrom |
| 50 | Eric Robinson | 49 | Ryan MacInnis | 23 | Stefan Matteau |
*lines are subject to change
| LD | RD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Zach Werenski | 3 | Seth Jones |
| 44 | Vladislav Gavrikov | 58 | David Savard |
| 46 | Dean Kukan | 15 | Michael Del Zotto |
| Goalie | Backup | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Joonas Korpisalo | 90 | Elvis Merzlikins |
Storylines
- JONES RENAISSANCE?: The Blue Jackets have needed Seth Jones to step up in a big way for a while. They got that from him in his last game against the Hurricanes where he had two goals, one of which was the game-winner in overtime. If they want to contend, they are going to need the best out of him, a development that would go a long way over these next couple of months.
- PK STRONG: It was mentioned in the last preview that the Hurricanes have one of the top power plays in the league at a 31% mark. The Blue Jackets let in a goal in their prior meeting but they also were able to get the puck out shorthanded and create chances against, it was interesting to see how the two sides faired against one another. If they can continue to be strong on the PK, it will go a long way in stopping this team.
- MAC AND MATT: Ryan MacInnis and Stefan Matteau were inserted into the lineup due to illnesses. Those two have seen little ice if at all as both have seen time on the taxi squad. They aren't going to replace the production that they are replacing but any replacement level play is going to be appreciated. Their ice time is going to be kept to a minimum
