Game 26 Preview: The Jackets take on the Blues
This is a tale of two teams going in seperate directions. The Jackets are in a five-game tailspin, and the Blues have earned points in five of their last six games, including four wins in that span. The Blues have absolutely had their way with the Jackets in recent times, so this will be a tough one. It's a battle of the Masons in net, and the only lineup adjustment from last game is the insertion of Kris Russell into the lineup for Methot.
What the Jackets need to do tonight is match the physicality of the Blues, and Mason needs to continue to get better. The killer instinct has to be there for the entire game, this season has had many instances where Columbus has sat on leads playing the "prevent defence" and it has bit them in the ass.
I'd personally like to see Nasher level T.J. Oshie, not because I don't like the guy, but because Oshie showed last year that he is one of the few guys that can knock Nasher down. Rick's ability to drag defenders on his back is one of his specialties, but Oshie levelled the captain on a few different occassions. I'm sure Nash wants to show the kid that he won't be pushed around.
Fearless Prediction: Nash levels Oshie, Jackts stop the losing streak.
Game Time: 7:00pm ET
Opponent's Blog: St. Louis Game Time
Game Page: Blues vs Blue Jackets Coverage
TSN Preview: Blues vs Blue Jackets Preview
TV: FSN Ohio
Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)
More after the jump...
From the Columbus Dispatch:
Can the Blue Jackets stand up to the Blues physically? Last season, St. Louis ran roughshod over the Jackets, winning five of the six games. The Blue Jackets are 2-9-1 vs. the Blues since Nov. 4, 2007, including three straight losses. The Blues are 4-1-1 in their last six games, including a 4-3 shootout loss vs. Detroit on Saturday.
Jackets Links:
Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule
Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats
Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Raffi Torres | Antoine Vermette | Rick Nash |
| Kristian Huselius | Derick Brassard | R.J. Umberger |
| Jason Chimera | Samuel Pahlsson | Jakub Voracek |
| Michael Blunden | Derek MacKenzie | Jared Boll |
| Fedor Tyutin | Anton Stralman |
| Rostislav Klesla | Jan Hejda |
| Kris Russell | Mike Commodore |
| Steve Mason |
| Mathieu Garon |
| EXTRA: Kris Russell, Alexandre Picard |
| INJURED: Fredrik Modin, Andrew Murray, Derek Dorsett |
| David Perron | Andy MacDonald | Brad Boyes |
| Paul Kariya | David Backes | T.J. Oshie |
| Patrik Berglund | Jay McClement | B.J. Crombeen |
| Alexander Steen | Keith Tkachuk | Cam Janssen |
| Carlo Colaiacovo | Erik Johnson |
| Roman Polak | Barret Jackman |
| Eric Brewer | Mike Weaver |
| Chris Mason |
| Ty Conklin |