Game #21 Preview: Jackets look to secure win against wily Blackhawks

Thursday, February 25, 2021 – 7:00 EST
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
TV: Fox Sports Ohio; Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Blog: Second City Hockey

Chicago Blackhawks (10-6-4, 24 points, 4th Central)

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Columbus Blue Jackets (8-7-5, 21 points, 5th Central)

Tuesday night’s game had it all – the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly.

Good: Three CBJ power play goals! Who would have thought?

Bad: Lost in shootout.

Ugly: Allowed the Blackhawks to score five goals in regulation.

What is even going on with this team right now? What’s most concerning to me is that it almost seems like… no one knows? Including the coaching staff, which is unsettling.

One thing I think people don’t always appreciate about Torts is how introspective he can about where he can get better. With new rhythms this year bc of the pandemic protocols, he admitted today (on a great Q by @AlisonL) that he’s got to get better at helping guys along. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/hBkxmSf9AB

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 24, 2021

I know that I took the Jackets’ defense capabilities for granted, because now that we are in these high-scoring games where we can’t keep the puck out of the back of our own net, my head feels like it could explode. On the flip side of that coin, apparently we’re also capable of scoring three power play goals in one game. We’re certainly not the same team we were one year ago, that’s for sure.

Player(s) to Watch

Patrick Kane vs. Patrik Laine

Battle of the Pats! Laine had a great game on Tuesday with two power play goals and one assist, making that six goals in 10 games with the Blue Jackets. Kane had three assists and one goal on Tuesday, which brings him to 12 points in five games against Columbus this season. Who’s going to come out on top tonight? Can’t wait to see.

Also, Oliver Bjorkstrand had two goals on Tuesday and is looking great!

Jackets Notes

Got some changes for the #CBJ tonight vs #Blackhawks …

Werenski, Del Zotto and Bemstrom all in there, Grigorenko, Harrington are scratched and Peeke was assigned to @monstershockey on Wednesday.

Korpisalo in net.

— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 25, 2021

Elvis is still week to week, but the good news is Zach Werenski and Michael Del Zotto return to the lineup tonight.

The Other Bench

After beating the Jackets in overtime on February 13 (sound familiar?), the Blackhawks embarked on a 10 day, five game road trip. So far they have swept the Red Wings, lost in Raleigh, and beat the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

Season Series

01/29/2021 CBJ 2 @ CHI 1
01/31/2021 CBJ 1 @ CHI 3
02/11/2021 CBJ 6 @ CHI 5
02/13/2021 CBJ 2 @ CHI 3 (OT)
02/23/2021 CHI 6 @ CBJ 5 (SO)
02/25/2021 CHI @ CBJ
04/10/2021 CHI @ CBJ
04/12/2021 CHI @ CBJ

Stats

Projected Lineups