The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks meet for the final time this season.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks are locking in for the home stretch of the 24-25 season. The CBJ took down the Blackhawks 6-3 in their first meeting on Dec. 1.
Chicago rolls into Nationwide Arena having lost 3 of their last 4 games, and have gone 3-3-4 in the last 10. The Blackhawks are tied for the least wins on the road with 6, while the Jackets are one of the best home teams in the league, so this game could get fun.
The Blue Jackets get their Captain back after missing the first 56 games of the season due to shoulder surgery. Boone Jenner will most likely be playing as a second wing with youngsters Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson.
Columbus also gets back sharpshooter Kirill Marchenko and defenseman Dante Fabbro. Both Players missed the last three games with Marchenko having a broken jaw, and Fabbro with a concussion. Marchenko’s return is mind-blowing. He opted for surgery to repair his jaw, was fitted with a special mask, and was cleared to play within 20 days.
The Jackets are one point out of a playoff spot with 26 games to go, so get ready for a full-on sprint to the finish.
Series History vs. The Blackhawks
· The Blue Jackets are 21-21-9 at home and 41-46-15 in 102 all-time meetings vs. Chicago.
· Columbus has four straight overall and two straight at NWA.
· The Jackets are 5-1 in the last vs. the Blackhawks.
Who To Watch For The Blackhawks
· Ryan Donato leads the team with 19 goals.
· Connor Bedard leads the team with 33 assists and 49 points.
· Goalie Petr Mrazek is 10-18-2 with a SV% of .897.
· Arvid Soderblom is 7-12 with a .906 SV%
CBJ Player Notes vs. The Blackhawks
· Zach Werenski has 16 points in 17 games vs. the Blackhawks.
· Boone Jenner has 11 points in 21 games.
· Damon Severson has 16 points in 16 games vs. Chicago.
Injuries
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Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 16; (53 Games)
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Yegor Chinakhov (upper body) is on Injured Reserve (35 Games)
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Sean Monahan (upper body); is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Jan. 7 (15 Games)
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 241
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight’s game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
