With Alexander Wennberg likely out, the Columbus Blue Jackets should look to Markus Hannikainen tonight to start.
A dirty hit from Tom Wilson in game one has left the Columbus Blue Jackets without their second line center. Alexander Wennberg will likely not start again tonight in game three against the Caps as he is suffering from the affects of Wilson’s unnecessary charge.
The Jackets chose to put Sonny Milano in the lineup at wing and move Brandon Dubinsky back to center. The roster shakeup though didn’t seem to work out that well and Torts was clearly unhappy with Milano’s play.
Sonny only had 3:12 in ice time in game two and was a non factor. He looked lost on his first shift and never recovered to provide a scoring punch like he is expected to bring.
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Coach John Tortorella isn’t comfortable with Sonny on the ice and scorers like him need time to build rhythm and find opportunities. Since Milano won’t get that ice time, they should start Markus Hannikainen instead.
Hannikainen can bring a tougher, more physical style of play on both ends of the ice. He doesn’t have the scorers touch Milano does but his style of play fits better on the fourth line where he would slot in. He has the speed to keep up with anyone and should help eat up some tough minutes during the game.
The Jackets could also look at Eric Robinson and Alex Broadhurst. Robinson played well in his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators but I would be shocked if they started him over Milano. Broadhurst is a longer shot than Robinson to start in Milano’s place.
Hannikainen should get the start. Milano not playing at all in game two was a waste of a roster spot and could have cost the Jackets. They should be able to roll four full lines in game three and that will only happen with Hannikainen on the fourth line.