The Columbus Blue Jackets are back at it for an afternoon game of action against the former JD team in the New York Rangers.
The Rangers have been dominant this season, seated atop the Metro Division with no sign of letting up.
New York is coming on off a back to back narrowly defeating the Flyers last night in their barn, and are poised to break an all time franchise record of 11 consecutive victories this evening. They are doing this with first year coach Peter Laviolette and without former Jets’ captain Blake Wheeler, who is out for the season.
Rookie Matt Rempe at 6 foot 7 came in for his place and headlined his debut with a fight at the Stadium Series game a few days ago. He scored his first career goal last night.
Columbus and New York play tonight and then Wednesday to conclude their season series. The Jackets have outscored the Rangers 8-7, but they are tied in win-loss for the season.
The Breadman with 78 points is torching the league, but my player to watch is not him today. The other All Star will be. Expect Quick in for the Rangers.
After coming off the loss in Margaritaville night, the Jackets are looking to get back in the win column. All the hot streaks snapped, despite Tarasov’s great performance in the crease. Elvis is in as announced this morning.
Alex Nylander makes his Blue Jackets’ debut against one of his father’s former teams. Alexandre Texier is the odd man out with Andrew Peeke.
Projected Lineups
New York Rangers
Chris Kreider—Mika Zibanejad—Jimmy Vessey Artemi Panarin—Vincent Trocheck—Alexis Lafereniere Will Cuylle—Johnny Brodzonski—Kappo Kakko Adam Edstrom—Barclay Goodrow—Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren—Adam Fox K’Andre Miller—Jacob Trouba Erik Gustafsson—Brayden Schneider
Jonathan Quick Igor Shesterkin
Injured — Filip Cythil (concussions), Blake Wheeler (leg)
Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau—Boone Jenner—Jack Roslovic Yegor Chinakov—Dmitry Voronkov—Kirill Marchenko Kent Johnson—Cole Sillinger—Alexander Nylander Justin Danforth—Sean Kuraly—Mathieu Oliver
Zach Werenski—Adam Boqvist Ivan Provorov—Damon Severson Jake Bean—Erik Gudbranson
Elvis Merzlikins Daniil Tarasov
Scratched — Alexandre Texier, Andrew Peeke
Injured — Adam Fantilli (calf laceration), Patrik Laine (NHLPA Program)
Players to Watch
New York — Vincent Throchek — the all star is continuing his successful season with an assist last night on the opening goal.
Columbus — Alex Nylander — Blue Jackets debut game tonight
Predicted Final Score
NYR - 5
CBJ - 2