Jackets Game 3 Preview: Home Opener!

The Jackets play their first game on Nationwide Arena ice this evening, taking on the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. Much has been said about the Hawks roster turnover this past off-season, but they remain a dangerous team. Led by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa up front, and Norris trophy winner Duncan Keith on the blueline, the ‘Hawks also feature newcomer Marty Turco between the pipes.

The Jackets will be without winger Jared Boll for a second straight game, as he is nursing a back injury. The Jackets may ice 11 forwards and seven defensemen as they did last game against San Jose, or we could see the season debut of either Chris Clark or Kyle Wilson and one of the blueliners will sit. If the latter holds true, it will be interesting to see who is in the pressbox. My guess is Marc Methot.

The team needs to focus on staying out of the penalty box. Aside from the obvious advantage it gives the opposition, it severely decreases the ice time available to the players who don’t kill penalties. The 678 line of Derick Brassard flanked by Nikita Filatov and Jakub Voracek, strictly five-on-five and powerplay guys, hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm.

Essentials:

Blue Jackets Information:

Lineups:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Chicago Blackhawks