The Good And Bad From Practice Today: 1/5/22

A Recap

After last night's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 7-2, we look forward to playing the New Jersey Devils tomorrow.  It was a loss, a big one, but it isn't hard to swallow when you consider the number of players out for multiple reasons.  Some men, like Werenski, are out and on Covid-19 Protocol Isolation.  You then have other players, like Bean and Texier, who are both ill but it isn't related to the Covid-19 ailment.  Then you have other, other players, like Tarasov and Merzlikins who are just simply injured.  It's not an ideal situation, and as I said last night, a 7-2 final over the back-to-back Cup Champions seems decent, especially considering everything above.  

Today's Practice: Bad News 

We'll start with the bad news so we can end this blog post on a high note.  The biggest bad news of them all is likely that Cole Sillinger sat out of practice today, Jeff Svoboda reported.  Further, he mentioned to the same reporter that Sillinger had a "maintenance day" today.  This could go either way then, as we've seen some players take these and return the next day.  However, We've also seen players like Domi take one, just to find out they have broken ribs and will be out for a month.  We just don't know.  It is said that Sillinger will be back tomorrow, so lets hope that is the case, as the team needs him badly.  

Another last bit of bad news, but also somewhat expected.  Texier is still battling his Non-Covid illness and wasn't on the ice today.  I'd hope for him to return on Saturday, when the Devils come to Columbus, than tomorrow night.  This goes the same for Merzlikins, who was also absent from the ice today.  Again, I'd hope for Saturday regarding his return as well, not tomorrow.  

Today's Practice: Good News

Alright, lets end this thing on a high note, shall we?  After having an illness of his own, again not Covid-19 related, it was nice to see reports that Jake Bean.  If you remember correctly, he was meant to play last night, but was pulled last minute.  We need the defenseman, horribly, so it's good to see him back so soon.  

Another note, we have some new Cleveland Monsters on the Taxi Squad Roster!  Liam Foudy has returned to play in the offensive Forward position.  While Defenseman Jake Christiansen has also joined the ranks.  Both men will travel with the team, as backup, should a player be injured or placed into Covid Protocol.  Lets be honest here though, with everything which has already happened, I could see both men playing in Jersey tomorrow night.    

Also, the Goaltender on the Blue Jackets Taxi Squad has been returned to the Cleveland Monsters.  This would be Cam Johnson.  My thought is that they need more Offensive and Defensive players and have elected to fill the Goaltending position with whom they already have.  This could also be a good sign that Merzlikins could return sooner, not later.  This however is just an educated guess on my part, but I think we can all agree it would be great if I were right!  

We'll see how things continue to unravel, tomorrow.  

Go CBJ!

Sources:

Jeff Svoboda Tweets:

One:

" Some good news for #CBJ at practice today as Jake Bean is back after missing last night’s game with illness

The bad news: Looks like no Cole Sillinger after he left with injury last night. Texier, Merzlikins also not practicing. Foudy and Christiansen are."

Two:

"If it's another day, there's more #CBJ roster moves to be had. The Blue Jackets have recalled defenseman Jake Christiansen and forward Liam Foudy from the Cleveland Monsters to the taxi squad. Cam Johnson goes from the taxi squad to the Monsters".

Three:

"Brad Larsen: Cole Sillinger took today as a maintenance day but hoping he'll be able to play tomorrow. Looks like Bean on track to be back, not expecting Texier or Merzlikins. #CBJ"