Jackets Game 80 Preview: On the Road to Face the Blues

The Jackets are on the road tonight, paying a visit to St. Louis. The Blues, along with the Jackets, are two of the league’s disappointing teams this year. Two young teams on similar paths, at similar stages of their development-they both made the playoffs last season and took a step back this year.

At any rate the game should at least feature a lot of physical play. When the Jackets and Blues get together it always seems like a tough, physical affair. I’m still waiting for Nasher to lay a big hit out on Oshie, maybe that happens tonight?

The Jackets should see the return of Kris Russell tonight. If not, Paetsch will remain in the lineup. Matty Garon gets the start again after getting his bell rung early last game. He left the game after his vision began to blur. Apparently all i well however, and he’ll face Chris Mason in net.

Fearless Prediction: Jake Voracek DOESN”T score his 50th point of the season.

Game Time: 8:00ET

Opponent’s Blog: St. Louis Game Time

Game Page: Blue Jackets vs Blues coverage

TSN Preview: Blue Jackets vs Blues preview

TV: FSN

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump…

From the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill has struggled against the Blues, killing only 12 of 19 power plays (63.2 percent) in five games this season. Expect a desperate effort from the Blues, who are clinging to faint playoff hopes. The Jackets snapped an eight-game losing streak in St.Louis back in January.

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

St. Louis Blues