The Columbus Blue Jackets return to Nationwide Arena tonight for the third matchup in their five-game homestand, hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning in a 7 PM puck drop. With injuries continuing to test the team’s depth, the Jackets are leaning on a mix of young legs, midseason additions, and lineup flexibility to stay competitive.
Projected Lineup Breakdown
Forwards
The top line features Mason Marchment, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko - a trio that blends size, skill, and speed. Fantilli continues to be the centerpiece here, and the Jackets are giving him every opportunity to drive play. With Marchenko's scoring touch and Marchment's physical edge, this unit has the potential to generate offense and set the tone early.
The second line of Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Kent Johnson brings a different flavor - more of a veteran presence with some offensive upside. Monahan's faceoff ability and two-way game stabilize the middle, while Johnson’s creativity on the wing could open up chances if the chemistry clicks.
Down the lineup, Cole Sillinger centers Charlie Coyle and Mathieu Olivier on what looks like a hard-nosed third line built for grinding shifts and defensive responsibility. Expect them to be tasked with slowing down Tampa’s top six.
The fourth unit - Dmitri Voronkov, Isac Lundeström, and Danton Heinen - offers versatility. Voronkov brings size and edge, while Lundeström and Heinen are capable of chipping in offensively. This line could be sneaky productive if they get favorable matchups.
Defense
On the blue line, Zach Werenski and Damon Severson lead the top pair. Werenski’s puck-moving ability and Severson’s steady presence make this a reliable duo, especially in transition. Ivan Provorov and Erik Gudbranson make up the second pair - a physical, veteran tandem that can handle tough defensive assignments.
Jake Christiansen and Egor Zamula round out the third pairing. Both bring mobility and some offensive instincts, but they’ll need to be sharp against a Tampa team that can punish defensive lapses.
In Net
Jet Greaves gets the start in goal. With the Jackets battling injuries and looking for stability in the crease, Greaves has a chance to make his case. He’ll need to be sharp against a Lightning squad that still boasts plenty of firepower.
Injury Report
The Blue Jackets are still navigating a tough stretch on the health front. Brendan Smith is out for the remainder of the regular season with a lower-body injury, having missed 12 games.
Miles Wood has also missed 11 straight and remains week to week. Denton Mateychuk is listed as day to day after missing five games.
In total, the Jackets have lost 142 man-games to injury - a number that underscores how much lineup juggling this coaching staff has had to do.
Scratches for tonight include Brendan Gaunce and Zach Aston-Reese, while Dante Fabbro remains sidelined due to injury.
Broadcast Info
Fans can catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network, with Steve Mears on the call. For those tuning in on the radio, Bob McElligott will handle play-by-play duties on 97.1 The Fan.
With the Lightning in town and the Jackets looking to build some momentum at home, tonight’s game sets up as a key test. Columbus will need energy from all four lines, a strong showing from Greaves, and disciplined play against a Tampa team that knows how to capitalize on mistakes.