Usually a long break from the ice by the Columbus Blue Jackets means that, with each day they have off, we wish that it were yet another game day and can’t wait to cheer on the Union and Blue (hey, that’s our name!). But, after that…that…what happened against Nashville, I think a few days off served the Columbus Blue Jackets some good.
That’s the good news, is they’ve been off since Monday. The bad news? The entire NHL has been off since Dec. 23rd, meaning not only are the Jackets rested, but so are the Boston Bruins. And, more bad news, Columbus will be missing a key and valuable member from the ice.
Sergei Bobrovsky not on the ice for #CBJ's morning skate.
— Rob Mixer (@RobMixer) December 27, 2014
Although, this may not be a bad thing. While Sergei Bobrovsky was the backbone behind the Blue Jackets’ point streak, he did play his longest stretch of games of the season, and if he needs a game or so off to recoup, than gosh darn it, he’ll get it. Curtis McElhinney will get the start.
But, there is some good news – Scott Hartnell took part in morning skate, and was paired on the top line with Ryan Johansen and Jeremy Morin. Aka, HARTNELL IS BACK, YALL! Here are the full line parings from this morning’s skate around.
| Scott Hartnell | Ryan Johansen | Jeremy Morin |
| Matt Calvert | Brandon Dubinsky | Cam Atkinson |
| Nick Foligno | Alexander Wennberg | Jack Skille |
| Corey Tropp | Michael Chaput | Jared Boll |
| Jack Johnson | David Savard |
| Kevin Connauton | James Wisniewski |
| Feydor Tyutin | Dalton Prout |
Hopefully tonight will be different from the last time the Bruins and Blue Jackets tangoed. It started well for Columbus, going up 2-0 early and holding that lead until the third period, but Boston would come back and, when it was all said and done, the Bruins would steal the extra point in the shootout. A valuable point then indeed, but two here would be superb.
If Hartnell can’t go, it’ll be Sean Collins who will take his place, but if Hartnell is ready, a roster move will have to be made, as Collins is currently the 23rd man for the Jackets.
If we’re going to use the the Bruins as a measuring stick for the Blue Jackets, you’ll feel good about things. Boston is just eight points and four wins better, and the leading scorer in points, goals and assists for the Bruins (which happens to be Patrice Bergeron with 26 points and 20 assists and Brad Marchand with 10 goals) are all out done by Nick Foligno (30 points and 16 goals) and Ryan Johansen (21 assists).
December has not been kind to the Bruins, who have suffered a pair of three game losing streaks, but have won three of their last four and are currently on a two game streak. Hopefully the Jackets can break the luck tonight and draw the season series even. Puck drops at 7:00 from NWA.
Next: The Blue Jackets Play Today, But So Do The World Juniors Championships