Blue Jackets Vs Panthers: Projected Lineups, Scratches, and Key Availability Notes Ahead of Tonight’s Game (ET)
blue jackets vs panthers is set for tonight, with both teams’ projected lineups, scratches, and availability notes shaping how the matchup may look once the puck drops in Eastern Time (ET).
What Happens When Blue Jackets Vs Panthers lineups lock in at puck drop?
Columbus’ projected forward lines list Cole Sillinger, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko on the top unit, followed by Kent Johnson, Sean Monahan, and Conor Garland. The next two lines are Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Mathieu Olivier, then Dmitri Voronkov, Boone Jenner, and Isac Lundeström.
Florida’s projected forward lines list Eetu Luostarinen, Evan Rodrigues, and Sam Reinhart, followed by A. J. Greer, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk. The next two lines are Mackie Samoskevich, Tomas Nosek, and Cole Reinhardt, then Jesper Boqvist, Luke Kunin, and Vinnie Hinostroza.
One notable roster note on the Florida side: Sam Reinhardt is slated to make his Panthers debut after being claimed off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday. Another personnel note is also in play: Benning was recalled from Charlotte of the American Hockey League and is set to make his NHL debut.
What If scratches and injuries reshape the benches before the game (ET)?
For Columbus, scratches listed include Miles Wood, Egor Zamula, and Danton Heinen. Another Columbus note: Erik Gudbranson was injured during a 5-4 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday and did not travel to Florida; Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness said the defenseman could meet the team before their game at the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. Separately, Brendan Smith is listed as out with a lower-body issue after missing 26 games on injured reserve and is out for the rest of the regular season.
For Florida, scratches listed include Carter Verhaeghe and Anton Lundell. Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Verhaeghe will not play after “something tightened up” during a 4-3 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, and the forward is expected to return at the Seattle Kraken on Sunday. Lundell will not play for rest purposes; he practiced Wednesday and was on the ice for Florida’s morning skate.
Florida’s injury list also includes Uvis Balinskis (lower body), Brad Marchand (lower body), Seth Jones (collarbone), Aleksander Barkov (knee), and Jonah Gadjovich (upper body). Balinskis has a lingering injury after blocking a shot a few weeks ago and will not play.
What Happens When fans tune in: how to watch and listen in ET?
Tonight’s game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. The radio broadcast will be on 97. 1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott handling play-by-play.
With projected combinations set and multiple availability notes on both sides, blue jackets vs panthers heads into game time with clear personnel storylines to monitor as lineups are finalized.
