Blue Jackets Game Preview: Anticipating Lightning⚡
As the NHL season progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming clash between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at The Spot, FDSNOH, this matchup features two teams with distinct trajectories.
Team Overviews
Tampa Bay Lightning
With a current record of 32 wins, 13 losses, and 4 overtime losses, the Lightning continues to be a formidable contender in the league. They recently secured a narrow 2-1 shootout victory against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets, holding a record of 23 wins, 20 losses, and 7 overtime losses, are looking to build momentum after their recent success. They achieved a 1-0 win over the Dallas Stars in their last outing.
Projected Lineups
Tampa Bay Lightning
- Brandon Hagel — Anthony Cirelli — Nikita Kucherov
- Jake Guentzel — Dominic James — Gage Goncalves
- Zemgus Girgensons — Yanni Gourde — Pontus Holmberg
- Oliver Bjorkstrand — Jack Finley — Nick Paul
- Defense: J.J. Moser — Darren Raddysh
- Charle-Edouard D’Astous — Erik Cernak
- Declan Carlile — Max Crozier
- Goalie: Jonas Johansson (projected), Andrei Vasilevskiy
In terms of injuries, Brayden Point, Ryan McDonagh, Victor Hedman, and Emil Lilleberg are out.
Columbus Blue Jackets
- Mason Marchment — Adam Fantilli — Kirill Marchenko
- Boone Jenner — Sean Monahan — Kent Johnson
- Cole Sillinger — Charlie Coyle — Mathieu Olivier
- Dimitri Voronkov — Isac Lundestrom — Danton Heinen
- Defense: Zach Werenski — Damon Severson
- Ivan Provorov — Erik Gudbranson
- Jake Christiansen — Egor Zamula
- Goalie: Jet Greaves, Elvis Merzlikins
Columbus is also contending with injuries, notably Brendan Smith, Miles Wood, Denton Mateychuk, and Dante Fabbro.
Game Insights
The Lightning are coming off a solid performance, with Jonas Johansson potentially taking the start after Vasilevskiy’s strong showing. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets will maintain the lineup from their last game, aiming to capitalize on their winning momentum.
Key Considerations
- Lightning’s recent form and shooter depth.
- Blue Jackets’ recent victory and player consistency.
- Injury impacts on both rosters.
This match promises to deliver excitement as both teams compete for vital points in the standings, making it a must-watch event for hockey fans at El-Balad.
