CBJ vs. Jets Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back and in Winnipeg to face the Jets. They come into this game after suffering another stunning loss by blowing a lead in the third period.
The Winnipeg Jets are hot, and we mean hot. They haven't had a regulation loss since December 12th against the San Jose Sharks. They've won 6 straight and have gone 8-0-2 in the last 10. The Jets special teams would classify as average or below, so the CBJ have that going for them, but they're playing a team running through just about everyone they play so this will be tough.
The Jets are currently 1st in the Central Division, Western Conference, and the entire NHL.
Three Keys
- Stay Hot Against Winnipeg. The Jackets are 4-0-1 in the last 5 against Winnipeg. The Jets are due for a loss so the Jackets would be wise to come out strong and finish strong.
- It's Fantilli Time. With Connor Bedard going down with a 4-6 week injury, it's now time for Adam Fantilli to take the reigns and go. There are a few other rookies like Rossi and Hughes up there, but Fantilli has the opportunity to be the rookie with the most limelight. It starts tonight in Winnipeg.
- Just Win. Plain and simple.
Series History
- Columbus is 8-7-1 all-time vs. the Jets in Winnipeg while going 17-14-1 in all games.
- The CBJ are 4-0-1 in the last 5 against the Jets.
Who to watch for Winnipeg
- Mark Scheifele has 14 goals and 40 points this season, including 10 power-play points.
- Josh Morrissey 6 goals and 30 points as a defenseman. He's 9th in the NHL among D-men.
- Connor Hellebuyck 20-6-3 with a save % of .921.
- Laurent Brossoit, Hellebuyck's backup is 6-3-1 with a .920 save %.
CBJ Player Notes
- Adam Boqvist has 4 points in 5 career games vs. the Jets. He had 2 points against the Wild on Saturday night.
- Johnny Gaudreau has 31 points in 29 career games against Winnipeg.
Injuries
- Boone Jenner (fractured jaw) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 9 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 12 games - Jenner has been practicing with a cage on.
- Patrik Laine (clavicle fracture) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 14 (Approx. 6 Weeks); 10 games
- Nick Blankenburg (upper body) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 19 (day-to-day); 8 games - Blankenburg has also been skating.
- Sean Kuraly (abdominal injury) is on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 23 (Approx. 2-to-4 Weeks); 6 games
- Zach Werenski (ankle) is on Injured Reserve on Dec. 29 (Approx. 4-to-6 Weeks); 5 games
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 155
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on Bally Sports Ohio. As always, the legendary Jeff Rimer 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.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.