Preview: Sweep the Homestand

Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets
Monday, March 12, 2018 – 7:00 EST
Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio
TV: Fox Sports Ohio – Radio: WBNS FM
Opponent’s Blog: Eyes on the Prize
Game Faceoff

The Columbus Blue Jackets wrap up their four game homestand tonight in search of their fifth straight win. Standing in the way of that win and two more points are the Montreal Canadiens, a team that has struggled of late, going 3-5-2 in their last ten. If ever there was a moment for Columbus to assert its will and take control early, this is the game.

Columbus got very little help from other teams in the Metro over the weekend. The New Jersey Devils opened their brutal road trip with a shootout victory over the Nashville Predators. The Philadelphia Flyers held on to defeat the Winnipeg Jets. Also, in direct competition, the Florida Panthers notched a shootout win over the New York Rangers. Tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes face the New York Rangers, the Flyers face the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Panthers host the Ottawa Senators. If the Blue Jackets take care of business and a few results break our way, it could be a big night for the playoff race.

In lineup news, Markus Nutivaara has been activated from injured reserve. However, John Tortorella stated yesterday that he would not alter the defensive pairings tonight regardless of any player’s return. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to get the start in net. Also, Carey Price is out tonight.

Go Jackets. Take care of business tonight, guys.

Probable Lineups