Game 23 Preview: Jackets look to bounce back against Bruins in return to NWA

Monday, November 27, 2023, 7:00 PM ET
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
TV: Bally Sports Ohio – Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s site: Stanley Cup of Chowder

Boston Bruins (14-3-3, 31 points, 1st Atlantic, 2nd East)
at
Columbus Blue Jackets (6-12-4, 16 points, 8th Metropolitan, 16th East)

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After winning two straight games for the first time since mid-October, the Columbus Blue Jackets were well on their way to a third straight last night versus Carolina, gaining a 2-0 lead early in the third. But it didn’t last, as the Hurricanes roared back with three straight, including two in the last four minutes of regulation, to hand the Jackets another crushing loss. Now they’ll have to bounce back against an angry Boston Bruins squad, who are coming off a 5-2 loss to Detroit from Friday.

Player to Watch

Boone Jenner

As annoying as the Captain Boone Jenner, Top-Line Center Experience ^TM can be, you can’t deny that he’s been a bright spot for the Jackets’ struggling offense. With 11 goals in 22 games, including three goals in our brief winning streak. And with how the Boston Bruins typically operate, the Jackets may need more gritty Jenner goals to win tonight.

Jackets Notes

No lineup changes expected from yesterday, but Spencer Martin will get the nod after Elvis’ excellent performance yesterday. … The Blue Jackets have given up nine (9) goals in the last four minutes of regulation this season, not counting empty-net goals. Those goals have resulted in a five point swing for the Jackets; we’d be 10-11-1 instead of 6-12-4. Infuriating. … Kent Johnson and Emil Bemstrom continue to dominate in Cleveland, with the latter scoring a nifty OT winner last night.

The Other Bench

Reports of Boston’s demise were greatly exaggerated; after putting up an incredible 135-points season last year, they’re on a 127.1-point pace this year. … The Bruins have lost two straight games for the first time this season, however. … This is the Bruins’ 100th season in the National Hockey League, and they’re celebrating with a special set of anniversary jerseys for this season only. The home is pretty great, the away is decent, and the alternate is pretty mid. … It’s a battle of the penalty kills tonight, as the 2nd- and 3rd-most efficient PKs in the league face off.

Season Series

11/27/2023 – Boston at Columbus
12/3/2023 – Columbus at Boston
1/2/2024 – Boston at Columbus

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Boston Bruins