Game 63 Preview: ‘Hawks in Town for Afternoon Affair

This is the last game before the Olympic break, and it will be interesting to see if the teams are already checked out, looking forward to either representing their country or going on vacation. For the Jackets, every point in the standings is crucial, and I’m sure they will come out looking for the win. The Hawks played last night, so there may be some fatigue. The Jackets need to avoid getting into a back-and-forth offensive battle with Chicago again, as the previous meeting showed, they have more weapons and in those kind of games, the team with more guns tends to win.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Garon in net for the Jackets. Don’t expect any other lineup changes, with Commodore still out and Roy the likely healthy scratch. The Jackets need to establish the forecheck early, and take advantage of a hopefully-tired Hawks team.

Fearless Prediction: Umby scores!

Game Time: 5:00pm ET

Opponent’s Blog: Second City Hockey

Game Page: Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets coverage

TSN Preview: Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets preview

TV: FSN

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump…

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Seat belts fastened? The last meeting between these two clubs, a 6-5 home loss for the Blue Jackets, was a highly entertaining track meet, starting with a five-goal first period. Chicago played host to Atlanta last night, winning 5-4 in a shootout. Both teams have six Olympians on their roster. Will their minds wander toward Vancouver?

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

Chicago Blackhawks