Game 2 Preview: A Shot at Redemption

After losing their season opener against the Sharks yesterday, the Jackets won’t have to wait long to exact revenge. The two teams take to the ice again this afternoon in Stockholm.

Jared Boll tweaked his back and will not play. My guess is Chris Clark gets inserted into the lineup. At the time of writing coach Arniel had yet to decide if blueliner Kris Russell would play tonight. Russ claims to be healthy and ready to go however. Steve Mason will start again. The soft goal that Mase let in yesterday to put the Sharks up 1-0 ended up costing the Jackets a potential victory. He needs to bounce back in a big way today and stay sharp.

The Sharks will likely keep the same lineup, albeit with some line juggling. The goalies will switch however, with Niittymaki getting the start in net. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canada Line of Thornton, Marleau and Heatley reunited for stretches tonight.

Fearless Prediction: Goal from a defenseman!

Game Time: 3:00ET

Opponent’s Blog: Fear The Fin

TV: CBC, NHL Network

Radio: WWCD-FM 101.1

More after the jump…

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Don’t be surprised if the Sharks switch up their lines today. As the home club, they get the second line change, which means they could load up and go after the Jackets’ second and fourth lines. Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel was planning to wait until today to decide whether Steve Mason will be back in goal or Mathieu Garon gets his first start.

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Here are the lineups for tonight:

Columbus Blue Jackets

San Jose Sharks