Crashing the Net: Dubinsky returns and Goloubef is on the verge
Columbus, Ohio - Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky will make his season debut in Game 26 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday evening.
Dubinsky underwent abdominal surgery on October 8 in Philadelphia, with the surgery performed by Dr. William Meyers of the Vincera Institute. He was expected to miss six weeks. His return is one day short of nine weeks since the surgery.
"Dubi is looking like he'll play tomorrow," said Blue Jackets bench boss Todd Richards, "so I think there's lots of excitement among his teammates. Everyone involved with the team is excited that he's coming back."
In a season that is not yet at its halfway point, getting players back into the lineup means a lot to the injury-ravaged team. What will Dubinsky's return to the lineup bring to the club?
"He's big and strong," said Richards. "He can skate, his tenacity and the way that he plays with some emotion. His first game back, first game of the year, there will be some excitement for him to play in a big divisional game against the Flyers."
With Dubinsky not playing a game in over two months, expect his shift length to be monitored closely. He practiced on a line today between Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert. He also practiced on the power play unit, as he's used to playing in almost all situations on the ice.
"We'll have to manage it, communicate and see how he feels," Richards continued. "We'll see how the game goes whether there are lots of specialty teams... it's just something that we'll have to manage. He's a guy that's very determined in the way that he plays. I'm assuming, going into the game that he'll want to be in every situation."
It is a welcome sight for many to see the number 17 back on the ice with the energy and skill that he can provide. It wasn't all that long ago that he basically shutdown the Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby during the playoffs.
Goloubef on verge of returning
Defenseman Cody Goloubef, on Injured Reserve since November 3 with an injured knee, is looking to make his return to the lineup soon.
"It feels really good," said Goloubef of his knee. "It's a lot better than I expected and it came along pretty quick. The first few weeks were tough, but day-by-day it felt better. The first few days that I started skating, I felt some twinges, but now it feels like normal again."
No player likes sitting in the press box when they are injured when they would like nothing more than to suit up and help their team. Goloubef is no different in this regard.
"It sucks sitting out," he said, "especially being hurt. You can't contribute and you feel helpless. You're not really part of the team and you're doing your own thing. Day-by-day, it's your own journey and your own battle. You want to be out there playing."
He'll meet with the doctor today for a final checkup before being medically cleared to play. "I'm getting cleared today," said Goloubef. "I think I'm ready to play. We've done all the tests and everything feels good. Now it's just proving to the coaches that I'm ready to go."
"He looks fine," said Todd Richards of Goloubef. "He's a guy that has worked hard and done a good job rehabbing. He's getting closer."
Blue Jackets lineup from practice
(The first three lines can be/are interchangeable)
Forwards:
Hartnell / Foligno / Gibbons
Atkinson / Dubinsky / Calvert
Jenner / Johansen / Skille
Tropp / Chaput / Boll - Cracknell and Rychel were the extra forwards
Defense:
Johnson / Prout
Leopold / Savard
Wisniewski / Connauton or Erixon
