Jackets Game 79 Preview: Ovy and the Caps Come to Town
The Jackets and their depleted defense corps are hosting the NHL's top team tonight- the Washington Capitals. The Caps are without a doubt a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, they have arguably the league's best player; they have a defense that contributes significant offense; and they have unbelievable depth. Their only Achilles heel may be goaltending.
The Jackets have made two lineup changes- out are Kris Russell (injury) and Trevor Frischmon (sent to Syracuse). In are Nathan Paetsch and callup Greg Moore. Moore was acquired from the Islanders for depth defenseman Dylan Reese. Moore has been scoring at a decent clip for the Crunch, and I'm sure the Jackets are just trying to get a glimpse of what they have in him.
Matty Garon will get the start, likely against Theodore.
Fearless Prediction: Jake Voracek scores his 50th point of the season (Take 3).
Game Time: 7:00ET
Opponent's Blog: Japers' Rink
Game Page: Capitals vs Blue Jackets coverage
TSN Preview: Capitals vs Blue Jackets preview
TV: FSN
Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)
More after the jump...
From the Columbus Dispatch:
The Jackets are 5-1-1 in their past seven games in Nationwide Arena. They are looking to rebound after a 3-2 loss in Detroit in which they lost a controversial goal ruling and potentially two players, goaltender Steve Mason (shoulder) and defenseman Kris Russell (upper body), to injury. The Capitals lead the league in goals and points.
Jackets Links:
Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule
Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats
Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Kristian Huselius | Antoine Vermette | Rick Nash |
| R.J. Umberger | Derick Brassard | Jakub Voracek |
| Andrew Murray | Samuel Pahlsson | Derek Dorsett |
| Tomas Kana | Greg Moore | Michael Blunden |
| Fedor Tyutin | Marc Methot |
| Mike Commodore | Nathan Paetsch |
| Grant Clitsome | Anton Stralman |
| Mathieu Garon |
| Steve Mason |
| EXTRA: None |
| INJURED/SICK: Derek MacKenzie, Chris Clark, Kris Russell, Jared Boll, Jan Hejda, Rostislav Klesla |
Washington Capitals
| Alexander Ovechkin | Nicklas Backstrom | Mike Knuble |
| Brooks Laich | Tomas Fleischmann | Alexander Semin |
| Boyd Gordon | Eric Belanger | Eric Fehr |
| Jason Chimera | David Steckel | Matt Bradley |
| Mike Green | Jeff Schultz |
| Tom Poti | Shaone Morrisonn |
| Joe Corvo | John Erskine |
| Jose Theodore |
| Semyon Varlamov |