SETTING THE STAGE: The Blue Jackets know they have some things to clean up coming out of an opening night loss to the Boston Bruins. Yes, it was the opener and there was a ton of excitement surrounding it, but it was only one game of 82 - and they have another opportunity in front of them against a quality opponent on Saturday night.
Not only did the San Jose Sharks challenge for the Stanley Cup last spring, they did so with a nucleus that's largely intact heading into this season. They won their opener against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night in San Jose, and head to Columbus for their first road game against a Blue Jackets team that's eager to bounce back.
John Tortorella watched the tape of Thursday's game and said Friday that he came away feeling less concerned about their overall performance, but acknowledged there are several things to teach and correct as they move forward.
One of the keys, Tortorella said, is to continue to encourage his players to make plays; he felt as though they were tentative at times and didn't make plays that were available, and as a result, it fed right into the Bruins' plan of attack.
The Blue Jackets will keep their forward lines together for a second straight game. Tortorella said it's an effort to give these groups a chance to gel and develop some chemistry, and not "get the blender out" if things aren't going well.
Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start in goal for Columbus, while the Sharks will counter with Martin Jones.
NOTEWORTHY NEWS: The Blue Jackets loaned defenseman Scott Harrington to the Cleveland Monsters on Friday. Harrington heads to the defending Calder Cup champions on a conditioning assignment, as the parent club has nearly a week off following Saturday's game. Ryan Murray (lower body) blocked a shot in Thursday's opener and is not expected to play against the Sharks, meaning Dalton Prout will draw in on defense.
PROJECTED CBJ LINES:
Jenner - Dubinsky - Atkinson
Saad - Gagner - Foligno
Hartnell - Wennberg - Bjorkstrand
Calvert - Karlsson - Anderson
DEFENSE PAIRS:
Werenski - Jones
Johnson - Savard
Nutivaara - Prout
Bobrovsky in goal.
