Time for a little game action.
If you missed the updates, Dane Byers and Aaron Johnson will be out, so Ryan Johansen will draw in on the second line, while Mark Letestu is expected to play on the fourth line but keep rolling with PP units. Derek Dorsett will be reunited with Umby and Pahlsson – here’s hoping that line clicks once again, as the Jackets can use all the secondary scoring they can get.
Steve Mason will make his second start of the home stand, and hopes to give the Jackets a chance to pull 5 points from the 5 game set. Not the result anyone wanted, but I suspect he’ll be satisfied with a victory in his second start this month. The Jackets will be off for a brief Central Division road trip through the end of next week, then back for a visit from Calgary, a trip to Dallas, and finishing the month with the New Year’s Eve game vs. Washington.
I wouldn’t be shocked if Dorsett and Steve Downie get to know each other tonight – particularly if Dorsett gets assignments against the Stamkos line.
Enjoy the pre-game ceremonies to honor Vinny Prospal, and let’s hope the team gives him a nice holiday gift with a big effort on home ice.
Go Jackets!