The Columbus Blue Jackets head into Pittsburgh tonight for a divisional clash with the Penguins, puck drop set for 7 PM. It’s a matchup that brings together two teams trying to find rhythm in a season that’s been anything but predictable. For the Jackets, it’s another opportunity to build chemistry, test young talent, and hopefully come away with two points against a veteran-laden Penguins squad.
Projected Blue Jackets Lineup (Subject to Change)
Forwards:
- Kirill Marchenko - Adam Fantilli - Cole Sillinger
- Boone Jenner - Sean Monahan - Kent Johnson
- Dmitri Voronkov - Charlie Coyle - Mathieu Olivier
- Zach Aston-Reese - Brendan Gaunce - Mikael Pyyhtiä
Defense:
- Zach Werenski - Dante Fabbro
- Ivan Provorov - Damon Severson
- Egor Zamula - Erik Gudbranson
Starting Goalie: Elvis Merzlikins
Scratches: Danton Heinen, Jake Christiansen
Injured: Denton Mateychuk
Let’s start up front, where the Jackets are rolling with a top line that blends youth, speed, and scoring upside. Adam Fantilli continues to be a focal point of this rebuild, and skating between Kirill Marchenko and Cole Sillinger gives him a pair of linemates who can both finish and forecheck. Marchenko brings that shoot-first mentality, while Sillinger’s two-way game adds balance.
The second line gets a shot of experience down the middle with Sean Monahan centering Boone Jenner and Kent Johnson. Jenner’s return from injury has brought some much-needed leadership, and Johnson’s offensive creativity could benefit from Monahan’s steady presence.
The third line features a bruising combination of Dmitri Voronkov, Charlie Coyle, and Mathieu Olivier - a group that can grind down opponents and bring energy in the middle of the game. This unit may not light up the scoresheet, but they’ll make the Penguins earn every inch of ice.
The fourth line is a mix of grit and depth, with Zach Aston-Reese, Brendan Gaunce, and Mikael Pyyhtiä. Don’t expect them to play big minutes, but they’ll be tasked with keeping the energy up and handling tough defensive assignments.
On the blue line, Zach Werenski continues to anchor the top pairing alongside newcomer Dante Fabbro. Werenski’s ability to drive offense from the back end remains critical, and Fabbro’s mobility and puck-moving skills should complement him well.
The second pair of Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson brings a veteran presence. Both are capable of logging big minutes and handling tough matchups, especially against Pittsburgh’s top six.
Egor Zamula and Erik Gudbranson round out the defense. Zamula’s still developing his game at the NHL level, and Gudbranson brings that physical edge - a necessity against a Penguins team that isn’t afraid to play heavy down low.
Between the pipes, Elvis Merzlikins gets the start. He’s been up and down this season, but when he’s locked in, he gives Columbus a chance to win on any given night. The Jackets will need him sharp against a Pittsburgh attack led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Injury Report
The Jackets are still dealing with a lengthy injury list, and it’s taken a toll. They’ve now lost 127 man-games to injury this season, and that number continues to climb.
- Isac Lundeström (Lower Body) - Missed 11 games, remains on IR.
- Brendan Smith (Lower Body) - Missed 9 games, out 3-4 months following knee surgery.
- Miles Wood (Lower Body) - Missed 8 games, listed as week-to-week.
- Mason Marchment (Upper Body) - Missed 6 games, also week-to-week.
This is a team that’s had to rely heavily on its depth and younger players to fill the void. While that’s been a challenge, it’s also been an opportunity for guys like Pyyhtiä and Zamula to show they belong.
How to Watch & Listen
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, with Steve Mears on play-by-play. On the radio side, Bob McElligott will have the call on 97.1 The Fan.
For fans across the region, the game will also be simulcast on:
- CW Columbus
- WUAB (Cleveland)
- WXIX (Cincinnati)
- WZCD (Dayton)
- WQCW (Charleston/Huntington, WV)
- WKYT (Lexington, KY)
- WAVE (Louisville, KY)
It’s another test for a Blue Jackets squad still trying to find consistency, but there’s no better stage than a rivalry game in Pittsburgh. With young stars like Fantilli and Marchenko continuing to grow and veterans like Werenski and Jenner leading the way, this team is building something - even if the road is a little bumpy right now.