After five days away from game competition, the Blue Jackets return to the United Center to take on the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks last year were an experienced team that picked up players at the deadline, and because of the cap, had to change up their roster. The Hawks let Andrew Ladd (NYI); Dale Weise (PHI); Matt Fraser (EU); and Drew MacIntyre (EU). They also traded Andrew Shaw (MTL); Bryan Bickell (CAR); and Teuvo Teravainen (CAR). They added Brian Campbell; Michael Kempny; and Jordin Tootoo.
The Hawks tonight are expected to scratch Campbell so other defensemen get an opportunity to play in the lineup; Tervor van Reimsdyk is drawing in. The Hawks are without Marian Hossa tonight after recently breaking the 500 career goal mark; Ryan Hartman will be in.
The Blue Jackets have made their own roster moves. Lukas Sedlak is making his NHL debut, while Sam Gagner will be a healthy scratch. Scott Harrington was recalled from his conditioning stint, while Cody Goloubef was placed on waivers to be sent to the AHL.
Projected Lineups
Chicago Blackhawks
Tyler Motte--Jonathan Toews--Richard Panik
Artemi Panarin--Artem Anisimov--Patrick Kane
Vince Hinostroza--Nick Shmaltz--Ryan Hartman
Dennis Rasmussen--Markus Kruger--Jordin Tootoo
Duncan Keith--Nicklas Hjarlmasson
Michal Kempny--Brent Seabrook
Gustav Frosling--Trevor van Reimsdyk
Corey Crawford
Scott Darling
Scratched: Brian Campbell
Injured: Marian Hossa
Columbus Blue Jackets
Matt Calvert--Brandon Dubinsky--Cam Atkinson
Brandon Saad--Alex Wennberg--Nick Foligno
Scott Hartnell--William Karlsson--Josh Anderson
Boone Jenner--Lukas Sedlak--Oliver Bjorkstrand
Ryan Murray--Seth Jones
Zach Werenski--David Savard
Jack Johnson--Markus Nutivaara
Sergei Bobrovsky
Curtis McElhinney
Scratched: Sam Gagner, Scott Harrington
Injured: David Clarkson (back), Joonas Korpisalo (foot),
Players to Watch
Chicago: Artemi Panarin- After having a sensational rookie season, he is looking for a big time contract extension. He plays on one of the best lines in hockey, with the reigning Hart Trophy winner. He's going to be a Finnish force in this league for at least a decade.
Columbus: Lukas Sedlak- the young elder forward gets his NHL debut at the young age of 25. Sedlak has been sensational since the second half of the Monsters and has made himself a bottom line NHL forward. Hopefully he sticks with the team.
Enjoy the games tonight. More to come...