The Blue Jackets snapped their five-game losing streak with a victory over the Coyotes and look to keep the puck rolling tonight.
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9–5–2 (20 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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9 P.M. – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 PEPSI CENTER DENVER, CO |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
Similar to the Jackets, the Avalanche broke their own five game losing streak with a win over the Predators and will be working towards creating their own winning streak.
The Avs have issues in net with Philipp Grubauer out for tonight's contest, the Jackets face-off against a goalie they have not seen before in Pavel Francouz - who only has seven career starts in the NHL. Francouz did enough to help the Avs pick up a victory against the Predators, but did see a lot of goal support in the game.
For the Jackets, Bjorkstrand now has four points in his last four games after a slow start and if he is able to get going, it would take a lot of pressure off on Dubois, Nyquist and Atkinson on offense. Additionally, Bemstrom finally got the monkey off his back by finding the back of the net and this could lead to more confidence and chances for the young Swede. With the Jackets offense needing players to step up, these two players could be difference makers if they start producing consistently.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Dubois–Bjorkstrand
Foligno–Jenner–Anderson
Milano–Wennberg–Atkinson
Bemstrom–Nash–Sherwood
Defenseman
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Kukan–Nutivaara
Goalie: Korpisalo
Storylines
- Everything starts on defense. Jones is fourth on the team in points and ties for the lead in assists, while Werenski is sixth on the team in points and tied for third in goals. Offense tend to run through defensive break out passes and shots from the point, but the Jackets heavily rely on their defense to supplement the offense.
- Highlight reel saves. As defensive breakdowns continue to be a problem for the Jackets whether it is on the power play or 5-on-5, the goalie in net is going to have to make at least one highlight reel save to keep the Jackets in the game. Korpi has done well to make those saves, but if the Jackets are going to keep winning, he will need to keep making them.
- Goal support. The Jackets have given up to many high-scoring opportunities to their opponent and at times have been bailing out by the mad between the pipes, but that only lasts so long and the offense needs to produce to take the pressure off. Additionally, The Avs put up 9 goals in their last game against the Predators, so the Jackets offense needs to give Korpi a cushion tonight.
