GDT: Game 79: Columbus vs. Phoenix | 4/8 7PM EDT

[Samkow]

7:00 PM EDT
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio

Lines
Boedker-Vermette-Doan
Erat-Chipchura-Vrbata
Korpikoski-Ribeiro-Moss
Klinkhammer-Halpern-Bissonnette

Ekman-Larsson-Michalek
Yandle-Stone
Summers-Morris

Greiss
Visentin

Inactive
Gormley, McMillan, Murphy

Injured
Hanzal, Schlemko, Smith

Lines
Dubinsky-Anisimov-Atkinson
Jenner-Johansen-Frattin
Calvert-Letestu-Comeau
Skille-MacKenzie-Boll

Tyutin-Wisniewski
Johnson-Prout
Murray-Savard

Bobrovsky
McElhinney

Inactive
Erixon, Nikitin, Schultz, Tropp

Injured
Foligno, Horton, Umberger​

Click to read more...

 

[Hooks]

Horton appears to be in.


Jeff Rimer ‏@jrimercbj
It appears by the morning skate that Nathan Horton will return to the #CBJ lineup tonight vs #coyotes.He has missed last 4 games


Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
#CBJ Nathan Horton took line rushes this morning. Coach Todd Richards says he's a "game-time" decision.


Rob Mixer ‏@RobMixer
Horton feels good, Richards said. They’ll see how he is after warmups before making a final decision.

 

[Columbus Mike]

That NJ loss really opens the door wide open. Two points tonight would pretty much make the playoffs a sure thing, and could really put some pressure on Detroit and Philadelphia. We never make things easy, so we will probably lose.

 

[Samkow]

Horton is in

Jeff Rimer ‏@jrimercbj
It appears by the morning skate that Nathan Horton will return to the #CBJ lineup tonight vs #coyotes.He has missed last 4 games

He's on a 7 year contract and looked god awful all year. I understand that he wants to play but it's pretty clear he was rushed back. No need to repeat the same mistake twice.

 

[major major]

He's on a 7 year contract and looked god awful all year. I understand that he wants to play but it's pretty clear he was rushed back. No need to repeat the same mistake twice.

We'll see by his play if he's healthy enough.

 

[major major]

Where are the OP lines from? I can't find them from any source.

 

[jackets4life]

This one will come down to who wants it more. Both teams in need of points, expect Phoenix to come out hungry. Another early goal would do wonders for the Jackets tonight.

 

[Samkow]

Where are the OP lines from? I can't find them from any source.

Secret Dispatch lines.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Smith and Hanzal not likely to play, 'Yotes dropped 4 straight.....should be a CBJ win. Should be.

 

[blahblah]

He's on a 7 year contract and looked god awful all year. I understand that he wants to play but it's pretty clear he was rushed back. No need to repeat the same mistake twice.

So what's been impacting him the most? This lower body injury or the old upper body injury. The player that was in that first 10 or so games back, I'd take back. After that not so much. How long has he been fighting that lower body injury?

Players being "rushed" back are always a concern and are just part of life. Had he not come back we could also be on the outside looking in. The only real question is, what are the chances of re-injuring himself? Obviously there is no concern on the upper body. If he's good to go with the lower body, I don't see the issue. His upper body injury isn't going to get better with another week.

He's been out for 4 games; I expect he'll provide some energy. Hopefully he'll be very well rested and have some jump. Any production from him and we're a much different team.

As for the game, this could very well be the dagger game. Which direction will it be pointed?

 

[Nordique]

Smith and Hanzal not likely to play, 'Yotes dropped 4 straight.....should be a CBJ win. Should be.

It really should. I don't want to sound presumptiious, but this is a game we have to have. I don't like tomorrow's matchup, despite having the 1-0 lead off the bat. In fact I'd say get this win with Bob, then give him the night off in Dallas, and plan on going into Florida with all guns ablaze.

 

[anteater90]

EXCITED!!!

Ant and Mrs. Ant will be in attendance!!!!!!

GO Jackets!!!

I BELIEVE !!!!

Target YOTES!

 

[EDM]

Bigger question is whether Horton will replace Frattin of Skille? And remember, Frattin has those pictures of Richards and a Magelleanic Penguin at Motel 8.

 

[eljefe72]

I just hope the Coyotes fans don't overrun the arena.

 

[Jaxs]

As far as Horton goes, I would guess that he has a groin or hamstring bothering him, maybe a hip pointer. He most likely isn't 100% after only four games off. If he has an ankle sprain or knee, he would be less effective.

The question is, is a Horton that's less than 100% better than say a Frattin or a Tropp at 100%?

 

[spintheblackcircle]

In fact I'd say get this win with Bob, then give him the night off in Dallas, and plan on going into Florida with all guns ablaze.

Exactly what I am hoping for.

 

[ca5150]

A win tonight, combined with losses by Wash to St. Louis, and Tor to TB(both very possible/likely), would eliminate everyone behind us except NJ

 

[Kentucky]

Final home game and a much needed win to get to the playoffs. I expect the boys to leave it all on the ice tonight.

 

[Hooks]

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
#CBJ Corey Tropp will play tonight. Matt Frattin is out. Only lineup decision is whether Jared Boll or Jack Skille will draw in on 4th line.

 

[cbjfaninmo]

He's on a 7 year contract and looked god awful all year. I understand that he wants to play but it's pretty clear he was rushed back. No need to repeat the same mistake twice.

I agree. If he's not 100% (which I doubt he is), then he shouldn't play. I guess we'll see.

Gotta love the game tonight!!

Go Jackets!!!

 

[cbjfaninmo]

The question is, is a Horton that's less than 100% better than say a Frattin or a Tropp at 100%?

Based on how he played before he went out, I would say no.

 

[Dr. Fire]

I believe the Yotes swept us last season. Time for us to do the same to them this season. Need a big win tonight.

 

[db2011]

I just hope the Coyotes fans don't overrun the arena.

(and to lurking 'yotes fans, that's not a dig on you it's a reference to our troubles with Pens and Blackhawks fans)

I will be on a bus from Amherst (through Springfield!) getting in around 8. Hope to settled down near the terminal for the last half or so. A Jackets win would be acceptable.

If Horton can be the guy who scored a goal in his first game wearing the sweater, that's a good thing. I hope Skille gets a nod.

LGJ

 

[Bobcat110]

Now...let's keep eye on teams ahead of us in the standing instead of looking over our shoulders


I hope there's a great walk-up crowd. Team deserves a nice final regular season home game crowd (but not a sell-out...we know how those go).

 

[IHeartZherdev*]

As far as Horton goes, I would guess that he has a groin or hamstring bothering him, maybe a hip pointer. He most likely isn't 100% after only four games off. If he has an ankle sprain or knee, he would be less effective.

The question is, is a Horton that's less than 100% better than say a Frattin or a Tropp at 100%?

what about if it's a foot, a toe, knee or thigh?