Blue Jackets vs. Penguins
7 p.m., Nationwide Arena
TV/Stream: FOX Sports Go & BlueJackets.com
The hated Pittsburgh Penguins come to town and the Columbus Blue Jackets have put together an entertaining lineup for the game.
After two preseason losses to the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, the Blue Jackets are looking for their first win. Still not close to a full NHL lineup, various lines and pairings will be fun to see play.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, who started on the first line in the game against the Blackhawks finds himself on the wing with Lukas Sedlak centering him. Is this a permanent move or just a situation testing out the player? Dubois will get an opportunity to shine with both Sedlak and Nick Foligno on his line.
LINEUP
According to the club, the Blue Jackets will align accordingly:
| Left wing | center | right wing |
|---|---|---|
| Sonny Milano | Zac Dalpe | Vitaly Abramov |
| Pierre-Luc Dubois | Lukas Sedlak | Nick Foligno |
| Calvin Thurkauf | Carter Camper | Tyler Motte |
| Markus Hannikainen | John Mitchell | Justin Scott |
| Scott Harrington | Markus Nutivaara |
| Doyle Somerby | David Savard |
| Cameron Gaunce | Ryan Collins |
Goaltenders:
Sergei Bobrovsky/Matiss Kivlenieks
What to Watch For
An informal viewing guide, if you will, for Friday's game (even if it can't be viewed on local television or via web stream).
- Different names shining: Sonny Milano had two assists and Zac Dalpe, a former Ohio State Buckeye, scored two goals against the St. Louis Blues. They'll get the opportunity again and they will have Vitaly Abramov join them on a line that will generate plenty of offense.
- What of the defense? Columbus played many of its heavy hitters including Zach Werenski, David Savard and Seth Jones in the opener. This group includes a lot of interesting names. Savard joins the lineup again but a top pairing of Markus Nutivaara and Scott Harrington will be fascinating. Will this be a tryout of sorts for the 6th/7th defenseman?
- Goalie shuffle: Sergei Bobrovsky will make his preseason debut tonight. Offseason singing Matiss Kivlenieks is a player to watch if only to see if he can put a stranglehold on the AHL job.
Quotable
"Me as a coach, I like giving the first few games to the management and letting them put their lineups together. They know the kids, some of the prospects, that are at camp here better than I do. I can't tell in just a few of these scrimmage games. They need to look at these guys. I want them to be able to see their guys the best as they can before it gets late in camp and we have to start worrying about the National Hockey League team." – John Tortorella
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