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GameDay #79: Jackets try to stay alive in afternoon game against Washington

8Dec 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (11) makes wrap around attempt against the Washington Capitals during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday, April 12th, 2025 – 12:30 PM ET
Nationwide Arena – Columbus, OH
TV: ABC, ESPN+ – Radio: 97.1 FM
Opponent’s Blog: Japers’ Rink

Washington Capitals (50-19-9, 109 points, 1st Metropolitan, 1st East)
at
Columbus Blue Jackets (36-33-9, 81 points, 4th Metropolitan, 9th East)

The Blue Jackets technically aren’t in do or die territory yet, but we’re pretty much there. The Jackets can drop no more than one point in their last four games to keep their playoff hopes alive; winning out allows the Montreal Canadiens to gain one more loser point, while winning out in regulation allows for the Habs to gain two points, as long as it’s not a regulation win of their own. For those who want to scoreboard watch, Montreal plays in Toronto at 7:00.

This is the start of a back-to-back, home-and-home series with the Washington Capitals; the rematch is tomorrow in the District of Columbia. The Eastern Conference champions are led by the NHL’s all-time goal scoring champion, Alex Ovechkin, and with both of those clinched here’s to hoping they’ll allow the Jackets some wiggle room through the final stretch.

Player to Watch

Kirill Marchenko

While one Russian sniper has made headlines throughout the sporting world, Kirill Marchenko has blossomed into a legit scoring threat this season. He has 31 goals and 71 points this season, both career highs, and has had wonderful chemistry with Sean Monahan(ov). And to celebrate 5th Line Appreciation night, the first 5000 fans into NWA today will get Kirill Marchenko bobbleheads. He had a hat trick April 1st, so maybe he can pop off again tonight.

Jackets Notes

Both Elvis Merzlikins and Jake Christiansen have been ruled out tonight with injury. Jack Johnson will likely draw in on defense. … Jet Greaves will likely get another start tonight after a great performance against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, making 39 saves on short notice. … Dean Evason’s postgame comments on Greaves not being called up earlier made waves on CBJ Twitter, but he cleared the air yesterday after practice.

https://twitter.com/mark_scheig/status/1910727648931725356

Season Series

11/2/24 – CBJ 2 at WSH 7
12/12/24 – WSH 2 at CBJ 1 (OT)
4/12/25 – WSH at CBJ
4/13/25 – CBJ at WSH

Stats

WashingtonColumbus
3.59 (1)GPG3.17 (11)
2.72 (9)GAPG3.40 (27)
23.7% (12)PP%19.7% (22)
81.6% (6)PK%76.1% (25)
50.4% (12)5v5 Shot Attempt %48.7% (21)
51.3% (9)5v5 Unblocked Shot Attempt %49.0% (20)
11.0% (1)5v5 Shooting %10.0% (5)
.911 (18)5v5 Save %.904 (22)
Alex Ovechkin, 42G LeaderKirill Marchenko, 31
Dylan Strome, 51A LeaderZach Werenski, 56
Dylan Strome, 77P LeaderZach Werenski, 76
Brandon Duhaime, 96PIM LeaderMatthieu Olivier, 134
24-11-3Home/Road24-10-5
5-4-1Last 105-5-0

Projected Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Boone JennerSean MonahanKirill Marchenko
James van RiemsdykAdam FantilliKent Johnson
Dmitri VoronkovCole SillingerMathieu Olivier
Zach Aston-ReeseSean KuralyJustin Danforth
Zach WerenskiDante Fabbro
Denton MateychukIvan Provorov
Jack JohnsonErik Gudbranson
Jet Greaves
Daniil Tarasov

Washington Capitals

Alex OvechkinDylan StromeTaylor Raddysh
Connor McMichaelPierre-Luc DuboisTom Wilson
Andrew MangiapaneLars EllerRyan Leonard
Brandon DuhaimeNic DowdAnthony Beauvillier
Rasmus SandinJohn Carlson
Dylan McIlrathTrevor van Riemsdyk
Martin FehervaryMatt Roy
Charlie Lindgren
Hunter Shepard

Talking Points