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Columbus Blue Jackets Staring Down the Barrel: Nashville Predators

By Lansing Murphy

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) challenges Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) for the puck during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets, held on September 28, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) challenges Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones (3) for the puck during the NHL preseason game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets, held on September 28, 2017, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets take on the defending Western Conference champions Nashville Predators. Let’s get a behind the scenes look at the Preds.

A big showdown tonight between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators following a bad loss for the Jackets. Back at home, the CBJ will look to bounce back against a really good Preds team.

I had the chance to sit down with George Matarangas, site expert of Predlines.com, and talked Predators. There was so much to talk about from the Cup Finals run, Turris trade, and the game tonight and we could only cover so much. I look forward to talking to George again before the last game of the year and want to thank him for his time. You can read all of his work at Predlines.com and follow him on twitter here.

Lansing Murphy (LM): How are you feeling about this Nashville team with the addition of Kyle Turris?

Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets /

Columbus Blue Jackets

George Matarangas (GM): Unfortunately, Kyle Turris is not expected to be in the lineup tomorrow. But we’re all very excited as Calle Jarnkrok hasn’t shown enough to be a 2C and Nick Bonino has been injured or the sample size has been too small. But this is the best center depth that the Predators have ever had.

LM: How is our old bud Ryan Johansen doing coming off his injury? Are you concerned about his lack of goals thus far?

GM: Johansen is a bit snakebitten as he’s shooting 0%. he’s currently sitting with seven assists in 14 games. He’s still the best possession driver on the team and looks dangerous on 90% of shifts. The good news for him is that he owns a 98.3 PDO and a 7.7 on-ice shooting percentage so he’s due for a hot streak.

Looking at the Jackets

LM: What scares you most about this Columbus Blue Jackets team?

GM: Seth Jones and Zach Werenski are the scariest young pairing in the NHL. Their skating style and offensive prowess makes them more like rovers than the pure definition of defensemen.

Also Sergei Bobrovsky might be the most important player to his team’s success in the NHL.

LM: How do you see this matchup between the CBJ and Predators playing out?

GM: This game will most likely be a physical battle. Both defenses like to jump into the play and so the game will most likely be won by capitalizing on turnovers or odd man rushes. At the end of the day, we can all come together through our shared hatred of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Next: CBJ Miss Calvert Badly in Lose to Rangers

We can come together and agree on that note George. Thanks again for your time and a look ahead at the Nashville Predators.

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