I can’t tell you why, but I’m optimistic about the Jackets’ chances tonight.
Maybe it’s because Mason is coming off a terrible game, and he wants to get back on track with a solid outing tonight. Maybe it’s the potential boost that the callup of Cam Atkinson can provide. Maybe it’s because I’ve been looking forward to this game all season and I have high expectations.
At any rate, here’s what we know:
- As I sort of opined in the preview, it’s looking like Alexandre Giroux will be the odd man out tonight, with Atkinson taking his spot with MacKenzie and Umberger.
- Mase goes for the Jackets, Bryzgalov for the Flyers.
- James Wisniewski is feeling the effects of the flu, and is a game-time decision. Here’s hoping he’s good to go, because as I discussed this morning, tonight will be a special teams battle, and the Jackets need Wiz on the powerplay. That, and I guaranteed he’d score!
- Andreas Nodl and likely James van Riemsdyk are out tonight for the Flyers. Look for Eric Wellwood and Harry Zolnierczyk (WTF?!) to suit up in their place.
I’ll be back after the game with a recap.