It doesn't matter what happened last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets need to continue to rack up points and make the difference in points insurmountable for the teams behind them in the wild card race.
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| VANCOUVER CANUCKS |
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35–26–6 (76 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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10 P.M. – SUNDAY, MARCH 8 ROGERS ARENA VANCOUVER, BC |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS GO |
The Blue Jackets have found some success against the Canucks but they are an offensive juggernaut when they are at the top of their game. Quinn Hughes has been an offensive wiz for the team and he is just the tip of the iceberg.
When the Blue Jackets and the Canucks face off against one another it becomes the immovable object against an unstoppable force. The Blue Jackets do all they can to limit goals against and bunker down when they have to.
The only time it has become an issue is when they get down early. Lucky for them, they know coming from behind well against the Canucks when they had an amazing victory against them at home.
The Blue Jackets will need the lines to continue to produce a few goals per game to make sure they get some wiggle room. It seems two goals are the max for this group and then they are fighting uphill otherwise. Putting their foot on the gas and getting a lead will be important and will give this group confidence.
Here's a look at tonight's projected lines for the Blue Jackets:
Forwards
Nyquist–Jenner–Foligno
Wennberg–Dubois–Bemstrom
Stenlund–Nash–Robinson
Lilja–Shore–Matteau
Defenseman
Nutivaara–Werenski
Gavrikov–Savard
Harrington–Peeke
Goaltender: Merzlikins (expected)
Storylines
- Back to Back. It is going to be interesting to see how the Blue Jackets are going to bounce back after a game the previous night against the Edmonton Oilers. Not only are they on the west coast trek but they now have to compete with a compressed schedule. If they can pick up a point against the Canucks it may be smart to consider it a win.
- Top Cheddar. Top players continue to produce like they need to. Gustav Nyquist has been holding up his end of the bargain for the better part of a week. Who else is going to join him at the top? Injuries have decimated the team but they need the best players to show up at the right time.
- Elvis Time? The Blue Jackets are looking to use their goalies equally on this trip. Having Joonas Korpisalo start against the Edmonton Oilers, it means that Elvis Merzlikins will see NHL game action for the first time since his injury. It is going to be a storyline any time he hits the ice with how he has played this year. His return to form will be crucial for the team.
