Game 64 Preview: NHL Hockey is Back! Jackets take on Canucks

After a two week hiatus, the Blue Jackets return to the ice tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. Team Canada hero Roberto Luongo won’t be getting the start tonight, rather Andrew Raycroft will go head to head with Steve Mason. The Columbus lineup doesn’t feature any surprising changes since the last game, except for the callup of Grant Clitsome. He’ll be making his NHL debut tonight. Milan Jurcina is “hurt”.

Tonight is important because it could be the last game for Raffi Torres and Fredrik Modin in a CBJ sweater. These two, along with Jurcina, are likely to be moved at the deadline, which is at 3pm ET tomorrow. This game is also important because it’s the final stretch leading up to the playoffs. It’s going to be nearly impossible for the Jackets to sneak in, but this stretch could go a long way towards building to for next year. Look for many auditions, starting tonight with Clitsome.

Fearless Prediction: Raffi scores in (likely) his last game as a Blue Jacket.

Game Time: 7:00pm ET

Opponent’s Blog: Nucks Misconduct

Game Page: Canucks vs Blue Jackets coverage

TSN Preview: Canucks vs Blue Jackets preview

TV: FSN

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

More after the jump…

From the Columbus Dispatch:

The stretch run begins tonight, with the Blue Jackets having just 19 games left. Wingers Raffi Torres and Fredrik Modin, along with defenseman Milan Jurcina, might be playing their final game as Jackets. All three are unrestricted free agents and could be dealt in advance of Wednesday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline.

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

Vancouver Canucks