Game #4 Preview: Blue Jackets look for life against Flames

Friday, October 20, 2023 – 7:00 PM ET
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Blog: Red Mile Hockey

Calgary Flames, 2-1-1, 5 points, 3rd Pacific, 5th West

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Columbus Blue Jackets, 1-2-0, 2 points, 7th Metro, 14th East

The Jackets have had three days off since their poor performance Monday against the Red Wings. On Wednesday, coach Pascal Vincent skated the team hard and had them work on puck battles while tired. Hopefully Vincent is able to get them back to the hardworking and relentless mindset that’s been missing over the last couple of seasons. Don’t expect instant results, but a solid and consistent 60 minutes tonight would be a step in the right direction.

Calgary is off to a hot start and is coming off of a 4-3 win over Buffalo last night. Sometimes you have an advantage over a team that is in the latter part of a back-to-back, but in the Jackets’ case you are probably more worried about coming out slow after a few days rest. Finding energy and pace in the first period will be crucial.

Player to Watch

Patrik Laine

The newly appointed center had a tough analysis of himself this week. I see this as a good sign. Whether or not he sticks long-term at the position is another question, but it’s great to see that he recognizes where he’s not playing well and is working hard to get better in those areas. He looks like he may be playing with too much of a playmaking mindset. He certainly has the ability to create space for other players, but his current linemates Fantilli and Texier also have the ability to create space. They need to figure out the right balance while playing together and that may take time.

Jackets Notes

It’s likely that Elvis will return to the net tonight, but that has not been confirmed yet … Werenski is waiting for medical clearance from the team doctors. If he’s not ready, we will likely see the same defensive pairs we saw on Monday. If he is ready, the Jackets are going to have to free up a roster spot by sending someone to Cleveland … Chinakhov has been skating with the group over the last couple of days. No word on how close he is, but hopefully he gets a shot when he’s healthy … Dumais is still in Columbus while on IR. It’s possible he gets sent to Cleveland for a 14 day conditioning stint when he’s medically cleared … Still no word on Tarasov. That’s unsettling to say the least.

Season Series

10/20/23 CGY @ CBJ
01/25/24 CBJ @ CGY

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Calgary Flames