Who's In Net Against Penguins And Covering For Domi Post Trade- 3/22/22

Alright hockey people, it's early but the announcement has been made.  Berube will play backup to Korpisalo tonight, against the Pittsburg Penguins, in Pittsburg.  After taking over for Merzlikins and winning Saturdays game, against the Blues 5-4, tonight will hopefully go better than prior games.  He's starting on a high note and that matters.  This season Korpisalo has played in 21 games and started just 16 of them.  He has 7 wins and 10 losses, but 0 overtime losses.  No, his numbers aren't the best.  With Merzlikins out for a upper body injury though, this is his chance to shine and shine he must.  His future with the Blue Jackets, or any other team, depends on this unfortunate/fortunate opportunity.  

In regard to the Domi trade yesterday.  Someone on the team must fill that spot and according to Jeff Svoboda that opportunity will go to Gaunce.  Currently in 13 games this season, Gaunce has 3 Goals and 2 Assists for a total 5 points.  Not bad and can improve with what could be a permanent spot for him, on the active roster, through the end of the season.  

Speaking of, Head Coach Brad Larson echoed today what I've been saying for the whole season, but especially recently since the hard loss to the Capitals.  "Until they tell me we're out of it, we're not out of it." Jeff Svoboda quoted him saying today, on Twitter. It is true. Yes, the Capitals are ahead of this team by 13 points, however, the Capitals lost their last game to the Stars. This is 2 points they didn't get. We also know how good the Blues are, they were our last game and we won by a very narrow 5-4 score. That is who the Capitals face tonight. Also, there are still 38 points up for grabs still for the Columbus Blue Jackets, over the remaining 2021-22 NHL Season. So, yes the chase for a 2022 NHL Playoff spot, it is not over yet. To those who are laughing at my point, right now, the Capitals are beatable. We did so on February 8th. The Final score was 5-4, Blue Jackets win, in Washington. Yes, they beat us 7-2, but that doesn't make them invincible, we proved that and the Stars just did too. Are they a good team? Yes. Are the Columbus Blue Jackets. Yes. Further, even without a Payoff Bid this year, how this season ends will determine how next seas, with much of the same team, begins. So, good for Larson, he's not letting this team give up when there is still a chance. He's being a coach, a good coach, and that is a great sign for this franchises future. Well done.

Tonight's puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST and don't forget about pregame at 6:30 PM EST. The Penguins and Blue Jackets, regardless of location, is always a great game. So, don't miss it!

Go CBJ!

Sources

Jeff Svoboda Tweets:

1) "#CBJ will start Joonas Korpisalo in net tonight in Pittsburgh. Brendan Gaunce goes in for the traded Max Domi.

2) "#CBJ head coach Brad Larsen on the team's approach to the standings: "Until they tell me we're out of it, we're not out of it."

Jackets are 13 points behind the Caps with 19 games to play and a game in hand."



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