Game #73 Preview: Blue Jackets in Boston to battle Bruins

Thursday, March 30, 2023 – 7:00 P.M. EST
TD Garden- Boston, Massachusetts
TV: Bally Sports Ohio; Radio: 97.1 FM

Columbus Blue Jackets (23-43-7, 53 points, 8th Metro, 16th East)

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Boston Bruins (57-12-5, 119 points, 1st Atlantic, 1st East)

I mean, this one’s outcome is already decided, right? It’s just a matter of getting through 60 minutes of formality. It will be Best vs. Worst tonight when the Columbus Blue Jackets hit the ice in Beantown to take on the Boston Bruins. All I ask for in this game is that there are no more injuries suffered by the Jackets in another meaningless game. The games are meaningless to them, but the games are not at all so to the Cleveland Monsters who are suffering more having to keep losing players in their playoff push. By the way, they pulled out a big shootout win last night, and are currently in playoff position with games in hand.

Player to Watch
Kirill Marchenko

With another goal in the loss to the Rangers, Marchenko tied the franchise record for goals by a rookie with his 20th of the season. His next goal will put him atop the list in sole possession of the record. But its not just the goals that stands out in his recent play. He’s doing most everything right including his play away from the puck, and most impressively to me, already using his big frame to his advantage in his rookie season. He’s been all around the puck lately and although the Bruins have one of the best, if not THE best defenses in the league, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him break the record tonight.

Jackets Notes

The San Jose Sharks did the Jackets a solid on Tuesday night when they beat the Jets, jumping over the Blue Jackets to 31st place in the process. It is truly a race to the bottom and with the most recent wave of injuries, the Jackets are back in position to win it.

Zach Werenski has resumed skating with the team, and was present at the optional skate yesterday in Boston. For being in last place, it is nice to hear that the majority of the team took to the ice when they didn’t necessarily have to. Recent call-up Billy Sweezey is making his homecoming in just his third NHL game. Look for him to have a little more pace in his game. I’m expecting some big hits and some potential fireworks from him.

The Other Bench

On the other end of the spectrum, Boston doesn’t have much to play for anymore either. They already have the President’s Trophy all locked up, with 15 points separating them from the next best team. If not for Connor McDavid, the Bruins would also have the Rocket Richard winner as well thanks to David Pastrnak and his 52 goals. It’s truly impressive how much of a juggernaut they have been this year. It’d be a shame if an 8-seed swept them in the first round.

Season Series

10/28/22 BOS 4 @ CBJ 0
12/17/22 CBJ 2 @ BOS 4
3/30/23 CBJ @ BOS

Stats

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Boston Bruins