The Columbus Blue Jackets get a midday game slot in an NHL Network showcase against the Florida Panthers. Game time is at 1pm.
This is their second meeting of three this season, the only one at Nationwide Arena.
Only chance this season to see former CBJ Sergei Bobrovsky.
Florida is on a two game winning streak, and also beat Columbus on November 6 in overtime in Sunrise.
Florida continues to strong start after the Cup. Maurice knows what he has in his guys.
Jenner suffered a broken jaw against St. Louis after taking a puck to the face. First guy that gets a crack at the 1C is Texier. Martin in the crease. Laine and Gubdranson are game time decisions.
Projected Lineups
Florida Panthers
Evan Rodrigues -- Aleksander Barkov -- Sam Reinhart Carter Verhaeghe -- Sam Bennett -- Matthew Tkachuk Eetu Luostarinen -- Anton Lundell -- Nick Cousins Jonah Gadjovich -- Kevin Stenlund -- Ryan Lomberg
Gustav Forsling -- Aaron Ekblad Niko Mikkola -- Brandon Montour Oliver Ekman-Larsson -- Dmitry Kulikov
Sergei Bobrovsky Anthony Stolarz
Scratched: Steven Lorentz, Uvis Balinskis, Josh Mahura Injured: None
Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau -- Alexandre Texier -- Justin Danforth Yegor Chinakhov -- Dmitri Voronkov -- Kirill Marchenko Kent Johnson -- Adam Fantilli -- Patrik Laine Emil Bemstrom -- Sean Kuraly -- Mathieu Olivier
Zach Werenski -- Nick Blankenburg Ivan Provorov -- Andrew Peeke Jake Bean -- David Jiricek
Spencer Martin Jet Greaves
Scratched: None Injured: Adam Boqvist (shoulder), Damon Severson (oblique), Jack Roslovic (ankle), Cole Sillinger (upper body), Daniil Tarasov (knee), Elvis Merzlikins (illness), Erik Gudbranson (illness), Boone Jenner (fractured jaw)
Players to Watch
Florida — Aaron Ekblad — Columbus did not see him in the first meeting due to offenses on injuries, but he has blossomed into a number one defender. His shutdown abilities will come to life.
Columbus — Johnny Gaudreau — no Jenner. Maybe no Laine. No consistent to right winger. He needs to figure it out and carry his team to victory.
Predicted Final Score
FLA - 4
CBJ - 2