Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks: A Clash on the Ice
Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Chicago Blackhawks in what promises to be an exciting NHL matchup. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on FSDNOH, CHSN, NHLN, SN, and TVAS. Here’s a comprehensive look at projected lineups, key injuries, and the latest updates as both teams prepare to battle it out on the ice.
Blue Jackets Projected Lineup
The Blue Jackets are looking to solidify their position in the standings and will ice the following lineup:
- Forwards: Mason Marchment – Adam Fantilli – Kirill Marchenko; Boone Jenner – Sean Monahan – Kent Johnson; Cole Sillinger – Charlie Coyle – Mathieu Olivier; Dimitri Voronkov – Isac Lundestrom – Miles Wood
- Defensemen: Zach Werenski – Damon Severson; Ivan Provorov – Denton Mateychuk; Jake Christiansen – Erik Gudbranson
- Goalies: Elvis Merzlikins, Jet Greaves
Scratched: Danton Heinen, Egor Zamula
Injured: Brendan Smith (knee surgery), Dante Fabro (lower body)
A notable change sees Jake Christiansen stepping into the lineup, replacing the healthy scratch, Egor Zamula. The Blue Jackets will be hoping for a strong performance from their defensive core.
Blackhawks Projected Lineup
The Blackhawks, coming off a 6-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, are aiming to rebound with a strong showing against Columbus. Their projected lineup is as follows:
- Forwards: Frank Nazar – Connor Bedard – Teuvo Teravainen; Ryan Greene – Oliver Moore – Andre Burakovsky; Tyler Bertuzzi – Jason Dickinson – Ilya Mikheyev; Ryan Donato – Landon Slaggert – Colton Dach
- Defensemen: Alex Vlasic – Louis Crevier; Wyatt Kaiser – Artyom Levshunov; Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Murphy
- Goalies: Spencer Knight, Arvid Soderblom
Scratched: Sam Lafferty
Injured: Nick Foligno (undisclosed)
The Blackhawks did not hold a morning skate following their defeat in Pittsburgh. Captain Nick Foligno, who left Thursday’s game with an apparent injury after only 1:18 of ice time, is considered a game-time decision. His presence will be crucial for the Blackhawks’ leadership and offensive drive.
Key Storylines
The matchup between Connor Bedard and the Blue Jackets’ top defensive pairing will be a key storyline to watch. Bedard, a rising star in the NHL, is expected to be a focal point of the Blackhawks’ offense. The Blue Jackets will need to contain him to have a chance at victory. You can find more information about Connor Bedard’s impact on the Blackhawks at NHL.com.
The health of Nick Foligno is also a significant factor. His experience and leadership are invaluable to the Blackhawks, and his absence would be keenly felt. For more on NHL injuries, check out ESPN’s NHL Injury Report.
Where to Watch
Catch all the action live on FSDNOH, CHSN, NHLN, SN, and TVAS at 8:30 p.m. ET. Don’t miss this exciting clash between the Blue Jackets and the Blackhawks!
