In their first two games post-All-Star break, the Columbus Blue Jackets have earned three of four possible points. Tonight, they'll look to increase that point total in their first game back in Columbus after the nine-day break when they host the Florida Panthers.
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29–17–5 (61 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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7 P.M. – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH NATIONWIDE ARENA COLUMBUS, OH |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
Considering games before and after the nine-game break, the Columbus club has been on a tear. The Blue Jackets are 7-0-1 in their last eight games behind tremendous performances from Elvis Merzlikins, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
The Panthers have been equally impressive as of late. Florida is 8-2 in its last 10 and has rebounded from a slow start to now compete for an Eastern Conference playoff position. With their recent improved play, the Panthers will pose a great Tuesday night challenge for the Blue Jackets – and, they're coming off an impressive win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, which means old friend Sergei Bobrovsky (who earned the win in Toronto) may get the night off tonight.
The Blue Jackets and Panthers have met twice so far this season, each team having one win in the season series. Most recent was a New Year's Eve showdown in Columbus where Zach Werenski earned his first career hat trick, scoring three times on Bobrovsky from virtually the same spot on the ice.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Foligno–Dubois–Bjorkstrand
Nyquist–Jenner–Atkinson
Milano–Nash–Bemstrom
Gerbe–MacInnis–Robinson
Defenseman
Werenski–Jones
Gavrikov–Savard
Nutivaara–Harrington
Goalie: Merzlikins
Storylines
- DUBOIS' TEAR. Pierre-Luc Dubois has been incredible as of late. His recent two-goal performance against Montreal added to a streak of eight points in his last four games. Dubois will look to keep his strong play going against Florida tonight.
- ELVIS' SMALL SLIDE. After a phenomenal stretch of games including three shutouts, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has regressed slightly from his outstanding early January form (which is not unexpected). Merzlikins has conceded three goals in each of his last two starts and allowed a few chances late in the Montreal game that appeared to frustrate him. Merzlikins has the opportunity to rebound tonight, possibly against the club's former number one goaltender. Speaking of which...
- BOB'S RETURN PART II. Bobrovsky's first return to Nationwide Arena did not go so well, losing 4-1 by way of a Zach Werenski hat trick. As he played last night in Toronto, it would appear unlikely that he'll go tonight, but hey – we've seen him do it before. Panthers reporters seem to think Bobrovsky will sit tonight against the Blue Jackets.
