The Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Edmonton Oilers tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET at Rogers Place. Here's a look at the projected lineups, considering recent performance and injury updates.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets (7-7-0) are looking to rebound after a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. They are currently navigating an illness within the team, potentially impacting the availability of key players.
Forwards:
- Miles Wood -- Sean Monahan -- Kent Johnson
- Dmitri Voronkov -- Adam Fantilli -- Kirill Marchenko
- Cole Sillinger -- Charlie Coyle -- Mathieu Olivier
- Boone Jenner -- Luca Del Bel Belluz -- Yegor Chinakhov
Defense:
- Zach Werenski -- Denton Mateychuk
- Ivan Provorov -- Damon Severson
- Jake Christiansen -- Dante Fabbro
Goaltenders:
- Jet Greaves
- Elvis Merzlikins
Scratches: Zach Aston-Reese, Isac Lundestrom, Dysin Mayo.
Injuries: Erik Gudbranson (hip). There are also concerns about Sean Monahan, Cole Sillinger, Mathieu Olivier, and Miles Wood, who missed the morning skate due to illness and could be game-time decisions.
Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov have been key contributors for the Blue Jackets recently. Marchenko had a two-goal game against Vancouver.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers (6-6-4) are aiming to bounce back after an embarrassing 9-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. They've had a rocky start to the season and are looking to improve their consistency.
Forwards:
- Andrew Mangiapane -- Connor McDavid -- Matthew Savoie
- Vasily Podkolzin -- Leon Draisaitl -- Jack Roslovic
- Isaac Howard -- Adam Henrique -- Trent Frederic
- Mattias Janmark -- Noah Philp -- Curtis Lazar
Defense:
- Mattias Ekholm -- Evan Bouchard
- Darnell Nurse -- Alec Regula
- Brett Kulak -- Jake Walman
Goaltenders:
- Stuart Skinner
- Calvin Pickard
Scratches: Ty Emberson, Troy Stecher, David Tomasek.
Injuries: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed, out for one week), Zach Hyman (wrist), Kasperi Kapanen (knee, out until December). Mattias Janmark is set to make his season debut after missing the first 16 games. Curtis Lazar will also enter the lineup.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to be the Oilers' top performers, but the team needs more consistent contributions from the rest of the lineup. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' absence due to injury is a significant loss.
Keys to the Game
For the Blue Jackets, overcoming the illness affecting their roster will be crucial. They'll need strong performances from their top players like Marchenko and Fantilli to compete with the Oilers' offensive firepower.
The Oilers need a strong response after their lopsided loss to Colorado. With Nugent-Hopkins out, other players need to step up and provide secondary scoring. Improved defensive play and goaltending are also essential for Edmonton to get back on track.
