Game Preview #34 – Things Just Got Interesting

Blue Jackets at Coyotes – 9:00 PM
Game Faceoff

Anything interesting happen this morning?

#CBJ Johansen will be a healthy scratch tonight

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 17, 2015

Oh yeah.

What needs to be said? For the record, I don’t think they are looking to trade him. 25 games is hardly enough for Torts–or Jarmo, for that matter–to say it’s hopeless with Johansen in Columbus. We all know what he’s capable of. They’re basically just trying different combinations on the safe lock right now to open it up.

#CBJ may also be without D Jack Johnson and D David Savard because of injury, although Johnson is skating this morning and looks fine.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) December 17, 2015

Oh yeah, there’s that, too. Looks like Justin Falk probably gets to go tonight, as he was brought in on emergency recall after Tuesday’s game. In terms of the game itself, let’s just say that Arizona ain’t exactly setting the world on fire, and Mike Smith is out for 8-10 weeks or so with a surgery. So, maybe if there’s a night to mess with your roster, this is it. At this point, it’s not like we have a playoff spot to lose.

The D pairs I have below are a total crapshoot. Falk will play if Johnson can’t go, according to Porty. Savard is definitely out. Daily Face Off seems to think Korpisalo will start in goal again. Who knows, at this point? Might as well let the kid take his lumps.

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets
(11-19-3, 25 Points; 8th division, 16th conference)

Arizona Coyotes
(14-14-2, 30 Points; 3rd Division, 9th Conference)