Game #23 Preview: Blue Jackets hit the windy city

Sunday, December 1, 2024 – 3:00 PM EST
United Center – Chicago, Illinois
TV: FDSNOH; Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Site: Second City Hockey

Columbus Blue Jackets (10-9-3, 23 points, 8th Metro, 13th East)

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Chicago Blackhawks (8-13-2, 18 points, 8th Central, 16th West)

The Blue Jackets carry a five game point streak into Chicago as they begin a five game road trip that will take them through Western Canada.

Player to Watch

Connor Bedard

Who else, right? The former #1 overall pick and last year’s Calder Trophy winner is the hope of the future in Chicago. He’s not finding the net as much (just 4 goals and a 6.6 shooting percentage) but is still setting up his teammates, with 13 assists in 23 games. Coach Luke Richardson has been shuffling the linemates for Bedard, but eventually things should click. And he still won’t turn 20 until July!

Jackets Notes

In case you missed it, on the travel day yesterday Don Waddell dealt defenseman David Jiricek to Minnesota for four draft picks and another defensive prospect … Yegor Chinakhov missed Friday’s game, so we’ll see if he’s able to play today … Jet Greaves was returned to Cleveland from his emergency recall, which means that Daniil Tarasov is recovered from his illness. I think it may make more sense for Tarasov to play today if healthy, rather than face the Flames or Oilers … With a win on Friday, the Cleveland Monsters have extended their current win streak to 10 games.

The Other Bench

The Blackhawks lost 3-2 in Minnesota in their prior game … Former Jacket Seth Jones is on IR with a broken foot. He is expected to miss at least two more weeks … another former Jacket, Nick Foligno, was named captain of the Blackhawks this off-season. I think that’s a great choice for a young, rebuilding team.

Season Series

12/1/2024 CBJ @ CHI
2/22/2025 CHI @ CBJ

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Chicago Blackhawks