Game day Preview: Blue Jackets Host Penguins In Home Stretch

The Blue Jackets are playing their final two games of the year, a back to back home series against the Penguins tonight and Sabres tomorrow.   What to Know

The Penguins were eliminated last night with the Islanders taking down the Canadiens to snag the final playoff spot in the National Hockey League. Motivation levels tonight are something to keep an eye on, and with the Columbus Blue Jackets having the opportunity to clinch the best chance at the number-one pick, this puts fans and management in an awkward position. The Penguins are playing an essentially pointless game on the road, and the Blue Jackets have a situation where losing benefits them, but the prospects playing want to solidify a spot in the NHL, so they won't "take it easy". It should be an interesting matchup. Game Notes

The Blue Jackets made a mammoth move yesterday, calling up a slew of players from the Monsters and recalling Regina Pats defenseman Stanislav Svozil, a third round pick in 2021. Svozil has been impressive this year, tallying 78 points in 56 games (11-67-78) alongside Connor Bedard in Regina, and 8 points in 7 games (1-7-8) at the World Juniors. The Monsters that were called up include forwards Tyler Angle, Joona Luoto, and Mikael Pyyhtia, and defensemen Samuel Knazko and Billy Sweezey from Cleveland. The Jackets are expected to dress eleven forwards and seven defenseman, and the IR. 

The Penguins have an 8-game winning streak against the Blue Jackets, dating back to 2019. 

Michael Hutchinson is expected to start, according to 1st Ohio Battery.

You can catch the game on Bally Sports Ohio, 97.1 The Fan or follow the Yamo Media Twitter for updates from yours truly.

Brad Larsen told us that none of the injured players will make a return this season, so a similar lineup is likely for Friday's game as well.

Ian Phillips for Yamo Media