The Columbus Blue Jackets return to Nationwide Arena tonight, set to drop the puck against a red-hot Vancouver Canucks squad at 7 PM. With both teams looking to gain traction as the season grinds through January, this matchup offers a chance for Columbus to make a statement at home - despite a roster that's been battered by injuries.
Projected Forward Lines
Top Line: Kirill Marchenko - Adam Fantilli - Cole Sillinger
This trio has the potential to be electric.
Fantilli continues to show flashes of what made him a top pick - combining speed, vision, and a growing two-way game. Marchenko brings the scoring touch, while Sillinger adds grit and playmaking.
If they find chemistry early, this line could tilt the ice.
Second Line: Boone Jenner - Sean Monahan - Kent Johnson
Jenner and Monahan give this line a veteran presence down the middle and on the wing.
Monahan’s ability to win draws and control the pace complements Johnson’s creativity. Don’t be surprised if this group is leaned on heavily in key situations.
Third Line: Dmitri Voronkov - Charlie Coyle - Mathieu Olivier
This is your classic grinder line with a twist.
Voronkov and Olivier bring the physicality, while Coyle can drive possession and chip in offensively. Expect this group to be tasked with heavy defensive minutes, especially against Vancouver’s top six.
Fourth Line: Danton Heinen - Brendan Gaunce - Mikael Pyyhtiä
Depth is being tested, and this line is evidence.
Heinen’s versatility is valuable here, while Gaunce and Pyyhtiä will look to provide energy and responsible shifts. They may not light up the scoreboard, but they’ll be counted on to keep things steady.
Defensive Pairings
Zach Werenski - Dante Fabbro
Werenski remains the anchor on the back end.
Paired with Fabbro, this duo brings a balance of offensive instincts and defensive reliability. Fabbro’s game has matured, and his ability to cover ground will be key against a fast Vancouver attack.
Ivan Provorov - Damon Severson
Two experienced blueliners who can log big minutes.
Provorov’s skating and puck-moving ability complement Severson’s physical edge and shot-blocking. This pair should see a lot of time against Vancouver’s top scorers.
Jake Christiansen - Erik Gudbranson
A mix of youth and experience here.
Christiansen is still carving out his NHL identity, while Gudbranson brings that stay-at-home presence. Expect them to play sheltered minutes, with Gudbranson providing the muscle.
In Net: Elvis Merzlikins
Merzlikins gets the nod tonight, and the Jackets will need him sharp. When he’s locked in, he can steal games - and against a Canucks team that can score in bunches, that might be exactly what’s required.
Scratches and Injury Report
Scratches: Zach Aston-Reese, Egor Zamula
Injured:
- Denton Mateychuk (Injured)
- Isac Lundeström (Lower body) - Missed 10 games, on IR
- Brendan Smith (Lower body) - Missed 8 games, out 3-4 months following knee surgery
- Miles Wood (Lower body) - Missed 7 games, week-to-week
- Mason Marchment (Upper body) - Missed 5 games, week-to-week
Total Man Games Lost: 122
That number tells the story.
Columbus has been hit hard by injuries, and it’s forced younger players into bigger roles. The silver lining?
Development opportunities - and a chance for the Jackets to see what their depth is really made of.
How to Watch & Listen
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, with Steve Mears on the play-by-play call. For those tuning in via radio, catch Bob McElligott on 97.1 The Fan as he brings the action to life.
With a depleted roster and a tough opponent in town, the Blue Jackets will need a full-team effort to come out on top. Whether it’s the young guns stepping up or Merzlikins standing tall between the pipes, this one could come down to grit, structure, and timely execution. Puck drops at 7 - let’s see what Columbus brings to the table.