Second night of a back-to-back, following a game where the Jackets looked absolutely lifeless isn’t the recipe for success, if you ask me. That said, the Jackets are going to shake things up and look to exact some payback on the Blackhawks in their building.
The Blackhawks are still without Brian Campbell on defense, but the rest of their lineup is healthy and dangerous. It looks like they are going with Corey Crawford in net though- so maybe getting the backup treatment could be a positive. The Jackets’ defense is banged up, with Mike Commodore and Kris Russell still out with injury. Nate Guenin has filled in very well, after having a strong preseason he has not looked out of place and has delivered a handful of big hits and has been strong positionally.
With Ethan Moreau out, Kyle Wilson has been inserted in the lineup. He didn’t fare well in his debut, but that can be chalked up to nerves and sitting in the pressbox for so long. I expect him to have a bounce-back game tonight, and if he plays well enough he could see some time playing with one of the top six wingers.
The Jackets need this game to end in their favor. They have been inconsistent thus far and need to establish themselves one way or another. I’m hopeful that shaking up the lines will allow certain players to find their game and start producing.