The Good, Bad, and Many Way's Tonight's Game Will Be Interesting For Blue Jackets

What We Know

We all know that Tarasov left the game on New Years Day injured.  Merzlikins has had some issues of his own and was unable to practice, yesterday.  With Korpisalo still out and on the Covid Protocol List, we don't really know who will be in net tonight.  I would say Merzlikins, but that is truly a gut guess.  If it is him tonight could be difficult for goaltending.   Even Head Coach Brad Larson admitted to Jeff Svoboda, the @JacketsInsider, regarding goaltending tonight, "I don't know yet." (Jeff Svoboda @JacketsInsider on Twitter).

Yesterday, we also got news that one of our most notable Defenseman, Zach Werenski, to a positive Covid-19 test.  So, it should come as no surprise that more names have been added to the protocol now, as they were exposed by being around him.  These players include Hofmann, Danforth, who join Bayreuther, a name already on the list.  

New Today

Also, via Jeff Svoboda, we know that Alexander Texier will also miss tonight's game.  He is ill, but Jeff Svoboda was assured that it's not Covid-19.  

Would you all like some good news?  As you may remember, months ago, Dean Kukan broke his wrist during a Blue Jackets game.  Tonight he will be back on the ice!  Just in time too, as they desperately needs him to fill in for more than one Defender, that much is clear.  

A Personal Note

Last night, I had a positive Covid-19 test as well.  So, right now, Werenski and I are Isolation buddies. I have a bit of a sore throat, my nose is a bit funky, and I'm coughing a bit too.  Being in a work place where is has been going around, I am not too surprised.  Still, it was sobering news last night.  I did have a booster, and credit it for my symptoms not being too bad, and hope they stay as such. So, in whatever way you deem fit for yourself, take care of you and your own.  

Tonight

Tonight's game has a puck drop of 7:00 PM, as the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town!  The two-time Stanley Cup Champions may believe they can get an easy win here, in Columbus, but I have my doubts.  We may be down players, but we're certainly not out.  When I see news on the Goaltending front I'll be sure to pass it along to you all!  

Go CBJ!  

Sources:

Tweets Sourced from Jeff Svoboda, @JacketsInsider on Twitter:

#CBJ head coach Brad Larsen says Dean Kukan goes in tonight with Zach Werenski out. Texier is out with a non-COVID illness. As for the goalies, Larsen says, "I don't know yet."

Tweet Two:

"Dean Kukan has been out since Oct. 25 with a broken wrist. Will be good at least to get him back, but #CBJ now without Werenski, Bayreuther, Texier and likely some goalies because of injury/illness."

Tweet Three:

"So while #CBJ head coach Brad Larsen said the Jackets are still figuring out the goalie situation and who can go, team is likely without Texier, Danforth, Hofmann, Werenski, Bayreuther, Merzlikins and Tarasov tonight. Good thing they have depth, but it's a daily shuffle here."

       




      

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