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Preview: Winnipeg Jets @ Columbus Blue Jackets

Mar 17, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins (90) makes a save on the shot from Winnipeg Jets right wing Nino Niederreiter (62) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

After the Winnipeg Jets had some fun in Michigan, the team has headed to Ohio for a Friday night match up with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both franchises have been playing well lately, coming in with 4 wins in their past 5 games, but it is the Jackets that have the slightly better record over that span (4-0-1 vs 4-1-0). So that makes me think we should be in for a competitive contest this evening when the two squads lock horns at the Nationwide Arena.

Winnipeg (9-1-0) has come through relatively unscathed from their easy start to the 2024-25 NHL campaign, but things will start getting much more difficult for the Jets in their next 10 contests. The new look powerplay has blasted out of the gates (13 PPG in 10 gms) and that has helped the True North franchise to an unprecedented offensive outburst. Kyle Connor is leading the way with his 9 goals & 17 points, but the Peg has five players averaging a point per game or better. But that is just the beginning, as Winnipeg has eleven skaters with at least 7 points in the first 10 games. Check out ESPN’s stats for the Jets:

The pre-game skate should get underway shortly, but until I find out something different I will assume Winnipeg will be using the lineup PuckPedia is predicting:

The Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-1) was a franchise that entered the season with a heavy heart after the untimely passing of their star forward Johnny Gaudreau. While it might be understandable that the Jackets sort of “took the season off” after such a tragedy, the franchise’s players have shown impressive grit & character as they have opened up the campaign with some high quality on-ice play.

Forward Kirill Marchenko (11 pts) has led the offense, but he has had plenty of help: Cole Sillinger, Yegor Chinakhov, & Zach Werenski all have 8 pts as well. And then there is the great start former Jet Sean Monahan has been having, with 5 goals & 9 pts through the opening 9 contests.

Since the Blue Jackets are dealing with injuries to F Boone Jenner, F Dmitri Voronkov, & D Erik Gudbranson, here is how PuckPedia is projecting to line up for tonight’s clash:

**latest news says that Voronkov may return to action tonight, with Labanc exiting the lineup below**

If you want to check out The Cannon’s game preview to see how the opposing fans are seeing things, check out the link below:

Now that we’ve seen the lineups, lets take a peek at how the teams compare head-to-head and how the goalies have done so far in 2024-25 (via ESPN):

While the starters for the game aren’t known yet, I believe that we will see Connor Hellebuyck square off with Elvis Merzlikins since both squads had a day off yesterday.

The Winnipeg Jets have scored 10 goals in their past two games, while the Columbus Blue Jackets have allowed 1 goal against in their past two contests….something will have to give.

How do you see tonight’s game playing out? Let me here your thoughts in the comment section…don’t let Padre have all the fun!! TGIF everyone 🙂

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