Game Preview: Marchenko Returns To Lineup, Elvis Gets Nod In Net As Blue Jackets Face Red Wings

After a spirited affair Monday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice Thursday when they face the Detroit Red Wings for the second time this season.

The first meeting went the Red Wings way in a 4-3 overtime win for Detroit on November 22nd. Columbus had a two-goal lead in the third period before the eventual loss.

Here are five things to know before the 7:30 p.m. puck-drop:

• This is the first of a season long six-game road trip for the Red Wings, who ended a four-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins. 
   
• Elvis Merzlikins gets his second consecutive start in net for the first time this season. He was more than solid in Monday's win over the Devils, stopping 30 of 33 New Jersey shots on goal and going 28-of-29 in even-strength save chances.
   
• Kirill Marchenko is back in the lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury. Even without a point in his last three games before being sidelined, Marchenko has 22 points in 22 games — a point-a-game player whose presence was sorely missed.
   
• Several milestones are in play in this game: Dmitri Voronkov is one away from his 100th NHL point and Adam Fantilli needs two to hit that same mark. Elvis Merzlikins is seeking his 100th career NHL win, and Dean Evason can collect his 200th win as an NHL head coach with a Blue Jackets victory.
   
• Marchenko is right back in the top of the lineup, with Kent Johnson playing on the second line alongside Cole Sillinger and Sean Monahan. Luca Del Bel Belluz, recalled by Columbus on Wednesday, takes the fourth line center spot between Brendan Gaunce and Yegor Chinakhov. Here are the complete projections: