Update On Werenski's Status, Who's In Net And More

My first words in the title were regarding Werenski, so we'll definitely start there.  According to Jeff Svoboda, via Head Coach Brad Larson, Werenski will not play tonight.  It's sad to see him out for a third game, especially when it's the Penguins at Nationwide Arena.  Hopefully he'll be back on Tuesday for both the Devils and "Hockey is For Everyone Night".  

So, after such an electric start of 3-1-0, after Berube's last game being a loss, it's time to let the man rest a bit.  I completely agree with the coaching staff, Merzlikins is back off IR, and it's time the team used him.  Tonight, he'll protect the Blue Jackets net.  This is great news.  Why?  The Penguins are riding a 1-0 shutout against the Rangers, a game thee team just played yesterday afternoon.  I watched a bit since it was on TV in my area, and they played like a shutout team.  To take them on we need our best, and thankfully it seems we do as Merzlikins returns fresh, and Berube will likely back up.  To paraphrase Brad Larson's interview after the loss to the Hurricanes, this doesn't get easier.  The Penguins also went up in the Metropolitan standings last night. with their win over the Rangers.  The Ranger's had been 2nd in points with 71, but as they scored no goals last night and played the Penguins who scored 1, that goal advanced the Penguins to 72 total.  This allowed the Penguins to leap over the Rangers.  It's 1 point, but that 1 point matters, especially as the regular season is nearing it's end.  There are plenty of games left, however the confidence which comes with moving up is valuable, something the Blue Jackets must prepare for tonight.  

Where do the Blue Jackets fit into this?  We are currently 5th overall with 55 points, where as in 4th the Capitals sit with 65.  Not impossible but 10 points is a lot.  We're in the hut for the playoffs but the need to win is stronger than ever before.  (NOTE: This has been corrected, I mixed up two columns in the standings and reported the wrong information.  I'm truly sorry and thank a fan greatly for their help in seeing my mistake.  I know you rely on me for accurate information and again I apologize.)   

Another note to the lineup, Bemstrom will play tonight!  He will replace a healthy Chinakhov tonight.  It'll be nice to see him skate.  Welcome back to the lineup!  

Puck drop is slightly earlier tonight, 6:00 PM EST.  If there are any other updates before then I'll be sure to let you know.  Also, a note from Brad Larson.  Tweet from Jeff Svoboda "Brad Larsen expects Nationwide Arena to be rocking tonight: "We have a great building, and when those fans get rolling, it's exciting and it gives our guys energy and juice." #CBJ"  So, if you'll be at the game tonight, Larson kindly asks you to be very loud!  

Go CBJ!    

Source:

Jeff Svoboda Tweet:  

1)  "#CBJ head coach Brad Larsen says Zach Werenski remains out tonight.

Elvis Merzlikins back in the net, will start against Pittsburgh, while Emil Bemstrom goes in for Yegor Chinakhov (healthy scratch).

2)  "Brad Larsen expects Nationwide Arena to be rocking tonight: "We have a great building, and when those fans get rolling, it's exciting and it gives our guys energy and juice." #CBJ

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