The Columbus Blue Jackets return to the ice surface tonight for their first game since the weekend. This time, it is their final meeting with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Puckdrop is at 7pm on Bally Sports and MSG.

The Rangers and Jackets last collided before the All Star Break, and they loaded up in hopes of another deep playoff run. New York has acquired forwards Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Tyler Motte; and defenseman Nikko Mikkola. The two main roster pieces to move out were forwards Sammy Blais and Julien Gauthier.

This time is bound for greatness if they get passed their first round opponent.

The Jackets have been dealt some more unfortunate news as defenseman Erik Gudbranson sustained a separated shoulder in Friday's game against the other New York team. This concludes his first season as a Blue Jacket with one goal and 12 assists in 70 games.

His loss cuts the veteran defensive depth to zero. The most veteran on games played is now Andrew Peeke at 185, while age is Gavin Bayreuther.

If Columbus loses in regulation and San Jose earns one point, the Jackets return to 32nd.

In regard to the lineup, it is Michael Hutchinson v Igor Shesterkin.

Projected Lineups

New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin--Mika Zibanejad--Vladimir Tarasenko
Chris Kredier--Vincent Throchek--Patrick Kane
Alexis Lafereniere--Filip Chytil--Kappo Kakko
Jimmy Vessey--Barclay Goodrow--Tyler Motte

Nikko Mikkola--Adam Fox
K'Andre Miller--Jacob Toruba
Ben Harpur--Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterkin
Jaroslav Halak

Injured - Ryan Lindgren

Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau--Boone Jenner--Kirill Marchenko
Kent Johnson--Jack Roslovic--Lane Pederson
Liam Foudy--Hunter McKown--Emil Bemstrom
Eric Robinson--Sean Kuraly--Trey Fix-Wolansky

Tim Breni--Andrew Peeke
Jake Christiansen--Adam Boqvist
Gavin Bayreuther--Billy Sweezey

Michael Hutchinson
Jon Gillies

Injured - Patrik Laine, Erik Gubdranson, Nick Blankenburg, Mathieu Olivier, Elvis Merzlikins, Zach Werenski, Justin Danforth, Jake Bean

Players to Watch

New York - Patrick Kane - 8 points in 12 games with the Rangers against a team he knows well, something is cooking.

Columbus - Adam Boqvist - with everyone out, assume him to be have the most minutes on the roster.

Predicted Final Score

NYR - 5
CBJ - 1

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