The Jackets have a huge opportunity tonight. The Sabres are banged up, without their top goalie or top defenseman. They also have injuries to Brad Boyes and some of their other bottom six forwards. Given their strong play of late, the Jackets could be primed to take two points from Buffalo.
There is one notable change to the lineup since my preview this morning- center Derick Brassard, who has been a healthy scratch of late, is back in the lineup. He’ll play on the fourth line tonight. There’s no questioning the fact that Brassard needs to produce more. At this point, he doesn’t have a spot in the lineup, and it’s up to him to change that.
As I mentioned before, this game is Vinny Prospal’s 1000th. I’m going to predict that he pots one. Just cause.
Enjoy the game, folks.