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| DETROIT RED WINGS |
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21–7–3 (45 points) ROSTER / SCHEDULE |
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3:00 P.M. – SATURDAY, MAR. 27 LITTLE CAESARS ARENA DETROIT, MI |
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FOX SPORTS OHIO FOX SPORTS |
It is do or die time.
The Blue Jackets got five points in four games against the Carolina Hurricanes and if they are going to make a move for a playoff spot, they're going to need to do it on this six-game road trip.
They have a back-to-back set against the Detroit Red Wings before they head down to Florida for four more games. The beginning of this trip is as winnable as it comes. Time to take advantage.
It appears no new lineup changes are coming for the Blue Jackets but there is an outside possibility that Alexandre Texier and Mikko Lehtonen may see the ice.
The offense doesn't seem to be sputtering and the defense has had the ability to clamp teams at times. Now is time to win games and stack points.
The race is still anyone's game. It would be nice if the Blue Jackets could start getting contributions from the likes of Patrik Laine, who is on a current drought. They're going to need all hands on deck moving forward.
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 | 11 | Kevin Stenlund |
| 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
- LEHTONEN TIME?: Defenseman Mikko Lehtonen who was acquired via a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs has officially been cleared to come to the US and join the team in Detroit. Most of the time they like getting a player a practice in before playing him but he could play if the team deems him fit. He would immediately add an offensive punch from the back end.
- ICE TIME ROULETTE: It has been mentioned many times already but the line deployment by the Blue Jackets at times has been head-scratching with certain players contributing less than others while still getting plenty of ice. There is a distinct possibility that Alexandre Texier joins the lineup and if he does, carefully monitor how much he plays. They need him to be a contributor sooner than later.
- WHO IS IN NET?: The Blue Jackets have been mostly leaning on Joonas Korpisalo but Elvis Merzlikins has shined in spurts. Are they going to still try and split the time between the two players or are they going to start riding Korpisalo until he falls apart. They have already been at that precipice and it will be interesting if they still try that strategy.
