Game Preview 8 (X) – Please, Hockey Gods: NO INJURIES!

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Nashville Predators

Saturday, October 3, 2015 – 7:00 PM EDT
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, Ohio
Radio: WBNS 1460 AM
Opponent’s Blog – On the Forecheck

After last season’s training camp which saw several serious injuries either re-appear or pop up, the Jackets have been pretty fortunate this camp. There have been a few injuries, but thankfully not to the key guys who missed time last season.

/furiously knocks on all wooden objects within reach

The Jackets played basically all of their kids last night in Buffalo, and look to roll out almost an entire starting roster tonight at home. There are a couple of notable absences: Ryan Murray (I’m totally OK with him sitting tonight), Matt Calvert (who played last night), and David Clarkson (no idea if he’s nicked up, or if Boll has really overtaken him). Other than that, this is probably what you’re going to see next weekend when the games start to count.

After a bumpy start to the exhibition season last week, the Jackets have been lights-out for almost all of the last three games, though you’d like to see them exhibit some killer instinct after watching the kids almost blow a 5-0 lead last night (albeit against a roster full of NHL regulars). The Jackets’ offense over the past week has scored in bunches and in waves, with the new look top line carrying the mail especially well.

Don’t think the Predators have forgotten Tuesday’s beat-down where Saad–Joey–Fligs dropped four goals and five assists on them. It’s their final exhibition game, too, so expect them to bring their full lineup.

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets
(’13-’14: 42-35-5, 89 Points; 5th division, 11th conference)

Nashville Predators
(’13-’14: 47-25-10, 104 Points; 2nd Division, 3rd Conference)

(Note: This is the lineup from their Friday practice, per their team website. Subject to change, of course.)