Game 46 Preview/GameThread: Blue Jackets’ stars look for revitalization in the Lone Star

Saturday, April 17, 2021 – 8:00 EST
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
TV: Bally’s Sports Ohio – Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Blog: Defending Big D

Columbus Blue Jackets (15-21-9, 39 points, 7th Central)

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Dallas Stars (16-14-12, 44 points, 6th Central)

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 10 points outside the final playoff spot and for all intents and purposes, playing out the string of the rest of the regular season with 11 games to go.

There’s still a lot to play for in the last 12 games for the #CBJ, Seth Jones said. “We’re not just going to roll over here and die.”https://t.co/Rq3FJoYbRy

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) April 14, 2021

At this point, they look to fend off the Detroit Red Wings to stay out of the cellar of the Central Division. Although with Columbus already having sold off assets earlier in the week, premium draft pick position can be the salvage long-term of an unforgettable shortened season.

Player(s) to Watch

Any and all.

I’m cheating for this one. All season we pick a player and look to see if someone can break through offensively. At this point, what about the future beyond this season? Josh Dunne (12:04) made his NHL debut on Thursday.

Patrik Laine might be gaining chemistry alongside Oliver Bjorkstrand and Max Domi. Alexandre Texier has been playing center a bit and Jack Roslovic could be a bit of a hidden gem. Over his last five games, Roslovic has three goals, four assists.

Worth noting … since #CBJ traded Pierre-Luc Dubois to #GoJetsGo for Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic:

Dubois: 29 games, 8-11-19, 0, 15:35

Laine: 35 games, 10-7-17, -16, 17:45

Roslovic: 37 games, 9-20-29, -4, 16:39

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 16, 2021

Jackets Notes

The Blue Jackets finish their season series (3-3-1) with the Dallas Stars. … Michael Del Zotto packed his bags just in case he moved before Monday’s trade deadline, but he’s glad to be staying foot.

Del Zotto happy/relieved to still be a Blue Jackets … says he had the “happy thumbs” going, scrolling through Twitter as the deadline approached.

Had all his bags packed too, just in case.#CBJ

— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) April 14, 2021

He’s also making a difference on the scoreboard (3-2—1) — I think since PD started saying we’ve seen all he can do. He’s one game away from 700 in his career, haters!

When you are going to play your 700th game. Thanks to everyone for all the support and to the haters for the fuel. pic.twitter.com/6NHqZ5vxzD

— Michael Del Zotto (@MichaelDelZotto) April 16, 2021

… Cam Atkinson is closing on 400 career points (396—212-184). … John Tortorella’s 670 career wins as head coach places him just two behind Mike Keenan for 12th in NHL history.

The Other Bench

Dallas doesn’t look like they’ll be repeating as Stanley Cup participants, even though they’re five points out and technically still in the race. The loser point has kind of helped Dallas as they have the most losses past regulation with 12. They’re just 1-6 in shootout, and their +9 goal differential is fourth in the Central Division. Here’s some of the latest happenings per Defending Big D.

02/02/21 DAL 6 @ CBJ 3
02/04/21 DAL 3 @ CBJ 4
03/04/21 CBJ 3 @ DAL 2
03/06/21 CBJ 0 @ DAL 5
03/13/21 DAL 3 @ CBJ 4 (SO)
03/14/21 DAL 2 @ CBJ 1 (SO)
04/15/21 CBJ 1 @ DAL 4
04/17/21 CBJ @ DAL

Stats

Projected Lines