COLUMBUS, Ohio - They start tonight's game on a three-game win streak that started last Tuesday in Carolina, They take on that same Hurricanes team Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Beyond looking for their fourth consecutive victory, Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards is expecting the team as a whole to continue the process of getting better.
"There have been some good moments, beginning with our last game in Carolina," he said. "We didn't start very well (against Carolina); you could see the guys weren't happy with it. After that, we got back to our process and getting better. I think that carried over into Detroit (Thursday)."
"We came home and were disappointed in areas of our home game (Friday versus Edmonton), but still found a way to win. We finished the game as far as doing things the right way. Tonight's another opportunity. So, we're seeing some areas where we're getting better."
The lights have been shining on the young guys playing for the Blue Jackets recently. Rookies Alex Wennberg and Marko Dano have been a driving force in helping to get the team back on the right path.
"I really like our young guys," Richards continued. "I think they're doing a great job. To me, they're the ones that are really pushing the group."
The third cog to what makes the Wennberg/Dano whell go around is veteran Scott Hartnell.
"They are all having fun," said Richards. "They're spending time in the offensive zone and getting opportunities. As forwards, that's where you really want to play. But it's the work they are doing in the other zones that's allowing them to spend more time in the offensive zone."
Richards touted their work ethic on the ice that is resulting in them having so many chances in each game. The youth is reinvigorating the veteran as he in turn pushes the kids. It's a line that seems to have a karmic balance as the chemistry between the trio blossoms.
As their confidence grows and they cash-in on more of the opportunities they are creating, the hope is that it spills over to the rest of the team.
Dubinsky back and Bobrovsky in net
Brandon Dubinsky, out sick for the previous two games, will be back in the lineup for tonight's tilt with the Hurricanes. Richards is unsure where in the lineup Dubinsky will slot-in. He also said that Sergei Bobrovsky will get the start in net.
Richards said after the optional morning skate that Luke Adam has been reassigned to the AHL's Springfield Falcons.
Blue Jackets lineup (projected)
Forwards: Atkinson / Johansen / Foligno
Dano / Wennberg / Hartnell
Dubinsky / Anisimov / Bourque
Tropp / Letestu / Boll
Defense: Johnson / Savard
Tyutin / Prout
Connauton / Murray
Goal: Bobrovsky
Scratches: Clarkson, Goloubef, Falk
Carolina lineup (projected)
Forwards: E. Staal / J. Staal / Lindholm
Terry / Rask / Nestrasil
Skinner / Nash / Semin
Malone / McClement / Gerbe
Defense: Hainsey / Faulk
Jordan / Murphy
Liles / Bellemore
Goal: Khudobin
