After a dirty hit that didn’t lead to any ramifications, the Columbus Blue Jackets Alexander Wennberg is doubtful for game two.
News today surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets number two center is not good. According to Jarmo Kekalainen, Alexander Wennberg is doubtful for Sunday’s game two.
In the third period of game one, Tom Wilson did what Tom Wilson does and charged Wennberg in the corner and took a shot at his head. In the corner, the defenseless Wennberg took a crushing hit and never returned to the game.
Wilson was only assessed a two minute minor penalty compared to the five minute major penalty and game misconduct Josh Anderson received. The discrepancy in the two is quite frankly mind-blowing and now the Columbus Blue Jackets likely will not have Wennberg until at least game three.
Wennberg started the scoring for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second period after he finished a great pass from Boone Jenner. Who know is a viable option to fill in for Wennberg at center.
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Who fills in at Center?
The loss of Wennberg is huge. The Vanek – Wennberg – Jenner line was a huge reason why the Jackets made the playoffs and a big reason why they won game one. His loss on that line can not be understated.
Coach John Tortorella though has plenty of options on how he fills that gap. Brandon Dubinsky could slide up and fill a center roll. That would allow Sonny Milano to come back into the lineup.
Boone Jenner could slide over to center on that line as well and Milano take a wing spot with him and Vanek. I don’t see this happening though as Torts has not put Jenner at center this season when he has had multiple chances.
There also is Lukas Sedlak sitting on the injured reserve dealing with a concussion. Of course he could play center but according to Jarmo there still is no timetable for his return.
The loss of Wennberg is a big blow for the team. He has really hit his stride in recent games and it showed in the game one win. I would bet the Jackets slide Dubinsky to center and put Milano back in at wing in game two.
Next: CBJ Win Game One Thriller in OT
Milano will come out flying and it will be interesting to see if he can bring a scoring punch. Make no mistake though, will be a step back though for the Jackets