Columbus Blue Jackets Weekly Betting Notebook: Mostly Healthy

With any luck, this will be the final week of the season where COVID-19 related postponements play a factor. To this point, the Columbus Blue Jackets have seen six games postponed which will all be made up later this season, including Monday’s previously scheduled contest against the Montreal Canadiens.

Here’s a look at where things are at in Columbus in today’s edition of the Blue Jackets Weekly Notebook.

Mostly Healthy

As of 10:00 AM Eastern on January 10, 2022, Alexandre Texier is the Jacket remaining in COVID-19 protocol. Texier was added to the reserve/COVID list on Friday, so he could be cleared to play in Tuesday’s contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is still dealing with a lower body injury, which he suffered on January 1 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Like Texier, Merzlikins could return Tuesday night. However, that seems unlikely at this time.

Merzlikins hasn’t yet returned to practice, and on Sunday, Columbus added goaltender Jean-Francois Berube to the practice squad. That’s not the type of move a team makes if Merzlikins were near a return, as Danila Tarasov would get bumped were Merzlikins healthy.

Korpisalo’s Struggles Continue

Joonas Korpisalo started all three games last week and didn’t look particularly strong in net. Tampa Bay shelled Korpisalo for seven goals on Tuesday. While he looked better in the 3-1 loss against New Jersey on Thursday, he was caught in a tough spot and didn’t make a strong enough push to get across the crease to make the save on Jesper Bratt’s power play shot.

However, Korpi got back on track with a win on Saturday, also against the Devils. He stopped 27-of-30 shots and was tested early and often.

There’s still a chance Korpisalo gets moved at the trade deadline, but a couple of strong showings this week could up his value. The trade deadline is March 21, about three weeks later than usual, due to the scheduled Olympic break and the COVID postponements.

Voracek’s 1000th Game

Saturday’s game against New Jersey was also the 1000th game of Jakub Voracek’s career. He’s now the 361st player (and 358th skater) to reach that milestone.

Voracek picked up two assists in the game and is tied with Oliver Bjorkstrand with 25 points this season.

True to form, Voracek was appreciative of the mementos and tributes, but his focus is on getting wins and pushing for the playoffs.

Weekly Matchup Previews

Tuesday, January 11

Chicago Blackhawks (12-18-5) at Columbus Blue Jackets (16-16-1)

7:00 PM Eastern, Nationwide Arena

Chicago Special Teams

Power Play: 21/112 (18.8%), 18th in NHL

Penalty Kill: 77/103 (74.8%), 26th in NHL

Columbus Special Teams

Power Play: 14/86 (16.3%), 26th in NHL

Penalty Kill: 71/91 (76.9%%), 25th in NHL

Chicago Players to Watch

Goaltender Mark-André Fleury: 10-11-2, 2.92 GAA, .910 save %, two shutouts

Defenseman Seth Jones: three goals, 22 assists in 35 games

Winger Alex DeBrincat: 21 goals, six assists in 35 games

Thursday, January 13

Columbus Blue Jackets at Carolina Hurricanes (24-7-2)

7:00 PM Eastern, PNC Arena

Carolina Special Teams

Power Play: 25/104 (24.0%), eighth in NHL

Penalty Kill: 108/120 (90.0%), second in NHL

Carolina Players to Watch

Goaltender Frederik Andersen: 18-5-0, 1.97 GAA, .929 save %, one shutout

Defenseman Tony DeAngelo: six goals, 18 assists in 24 games

Left Wing Sebastian Aho: 15 goals, 22 assists in 30 games

Saturday, January 8

Columbus Blue Jackets at Florida Panthers (23-7-5)

6:00 PM Eastern, FLA Live Arena

Florida Special Teams

Power Play: 21/113 (18.6%), 20th in NHL

Penalty Kill: 87/108 (80.6%), 15th in NHL

Florida Players to Watch

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky: 16-3-3, 2.57 GAA, .917 save %

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad: nine goals, 20 assists in 34 games

Left Wing Jonathan Huberdeau: 13 goals, 33 assists in 35 games