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CBJ G21 @ New Jersey Devils |
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The Columbus Blue Jackets join 29 other teams in a post-Thanksgiving return to the ice for a rare Friday afternoon gameday at the Prudential Center against the New Jersey Devils. Their puckdrop is at 3pm on MSG and BallySports.
This is their first meeting of four for the two young Metropolitan teams. The four games are spread out from today through January 19. Get ready to see a lot of New Jersey in a quick period, folks.
The Devils and Blue Jackets have also been recent trading partners, as Columbus acquired Damon Severson from them early in the summer. With his injury, he may not be back in time for a video tribute in Newark, unless he is cleared after Christmas.
New Jersey had some bold business moves this summer to bolster to the roster after a successful first round victory over the Rangers.
Out
Damon Severson was traded to Columbus for a third round pick.
Yegor Sharangovich was moved with the Columbus acquired third round pick to Calgary.
Ryan Graves signed with Pittsburgh in free agency.
Tomas Tatar and Miles Wood joined Colorado as free agents
Mackenzie Blackwood was dealt to San Jose.
Jonathan Bernier retired.
Mason Geersten signed with Vegas.
Jesper Boqvist was left unqualified and signed with Boston.
Riley Walsh was traded to Boston.
In
Tyler Toffoli was acquired from the Flames.
Shane Bowers was acquired from Boston.
Colin Miller was acquired from Dallas.
Former Columbus backup Keith Kinkaid returned to New Jersey.
Veterans Tomas Nosek, Chris Tierney, Kyle Criscuolo, and Justin Dowling were signed as free agents.
Two time champion Cal Foote joins his brother Nolan in the organization.
Goalie Erik Kallgren was added.
Both teams have been in rough patches this season due to goalie problems and injuries. The Devils goalies have not been so hot, and they have missed time from Nico Hischer, Jack Hughes, and Timo Meier.
While Hischer only returned to practice Wednesday, Meier is unsure when. Hughes only returned last weekend against New York.
Vanacek and Schmid have lower save percentages than Elvis and Martin. That shows their question marks. Quarter mark of the season shows how the rest looks for the Devils and Blue Jackets.
Alexandre Texier was injured in the Blackhawks game, and is doubtful for today. Mathieu Oliver returns on the third line, sliding Eric Robinson to the fourth. Andrew Peeke is the only health bomb. It’s expected to be Merzlikins and Schmid in the crease.
Projected Lineups
New Jersey Devils
Erik Haula—Jack Hughes—Curtis Lazar
Tyler Toffoli—Dawson Mercer—Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat—Michael McLeod—Alexander Holtz
Maxwell Willman—Nathan Bastian—Brendan Smith
Jonas Sigenthaler—Dougie Hamilton
Kevin Bahl—John Marino
Luke Hughes—Colin MIller
Akira Schmid
Vitek Vanecek
Scratched - Tomas Nosek, Cal Foote
Injured — Nico Hischer, Timo Meier
Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnny Gaudreau—Boone Jenner—Kirill Marchenko
Dmitri Vokornov—Adam Fantilli—Patrik Laine
Yegor Chinakov—Cole Sillinger—Mathieu Olivier
Eric Robinson—Sean Kuraly—Justin Danforth
Zach Werenski—Adam Boqvist
Ivan Provorov—David Jiricek
Jake Bean—Erik Gudbranson
Elvis Merzlikins
Spencer Martin
Scratched - Andrew Peeke
Injured — Damon Severson, Jack Roslovic, Daniil Tarasov
Players to Watch
New Jersey - Luke Hughes — Michigan teammate of Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli, could be a defensive Calder trophy selection.
Columbus - David Jiricek — defensive Calder trophy selection potential against Luke Hughes and Pavel Mintyukov (ANA).
Predicted Final Score
NJD - 2
CBJ - 3
OT/SO
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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