Game 10 Preview: Jackets face toughest test yet vs Jets

Friday, November 1, 2024 – 7:00 ET
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio – Radio: 97.1FM

Winnipeg Jets (9-1-0, 18 points, 1st Central, 1st West)
at
Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-1, 11 points, 5th Metropolitan, 7th East)

After a blast of an October in which the Columbus Blue Jackets have exceeded expectations to a playoff spot (!), the team faces their toughest test of the young season: A Friday night matchup with the league-leading Winnipeg Jets. The Jets won the first eight games of the season, featuring a 6-0 win vs the Oilers, 8-3 clobbering of the Sharks, and 6-2 win at Detroit on Wednesday. Curious to find out if this Jackets team is real? Tonight will tell us a lot on that front.

Player to Watch

Elvis Merzlikins

After two weaker games to start the season and some solid performances from Daniil Tarasov in the interim, it looked like Elvis had finally lost the starting job in Columbus. Then, Monday, he was thrown to the wolves against Edmonton for his first start in almost two weeks. And he dominated, saving 31 straight shots before losing the shutout with 26 seconds left, and then followed it up with a 26-save shutout on Wednesday. In total: a .983 save percentage, and 2.8 GSAA in just two games. If the Jackets want any chance of beating the high-flying Jets (get it?), they’ll need the best out of Elvis once again.

Jackets Notes

It’s First Responders Night at Nationwide Arena, so shoutout to all of those who serve on the local frontlines of Central Ohio and beyond. … As mentioned, the Jackets are currently in the second wildcard spot, but weirdly have a better record than the third place team in the Atlantic, Toronto, thanks to one less game played. … Don Waddell dressed up a Green Lantern yesterday. … I don’t know what else to put here so here’s the Jackets and Jets common opponents – Both teams put 6 up against the Oilers, but the Jackets allowed them a goal while the Jets shut them out; Winnipeg got a 2-1 OTW out of Minnesota, while Columbus went 0-1-1 in two games against them, including their worst game of the season; and while the Jackets put a 6-2 thumping on the Leafs, they handed the Jets their one loss of the season on Monday, 6-4.

The Other Bench

Kyle Connor earned the Jets team record for most points through 10 games (17), but tied the Jets franchise record for most points through 10 games (Ilya Kovalchuk had 17 in 2009-10, when they were in Atlanta), and the Jets all-time record for most points through 10 games (Dale Hawerchuk had 17 in 1984-85 for the old Jets). … The Jets also have their best start through 10 games, because they’re 9-1-0. … A large part of that has been due to their powerplay, clicking at 44.8% right now, best in the league. … Connor Hellebuyck has a 2.12 GAA and .923 save percentage, so that’s going well.

Season Series

11/1/2024 – WPG at CBJ
12/8/2024 – CBJ at WPG

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Winnipeg Jets