The Blue Jackets have lost five straight, being outscored 26-9, and will turn to Tarasov between the pipes to attempt to stop the bleeding in a match against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tarasov has allowed four goals in his last two contests (0-2-0), but was solid in his previous outing, saving 43 of 47 shots (.915 SV%) in a 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blue Jackets enter action as +194 road underdogs.
van Riemsdyk was a healthy scratch for the Bruins' previous game but he will draw back into the lineup for Jakub Lauko on Wednesday vs. Tampa Bay. The 34-year-old has enjoyed a strong first season in 2023-24 with the Bruins, with his 11 goals, 38 points, 137 SOG, 18 PIMs and +10 plus/minus minus in 65 games played.
The Blue Jackets have lost four straight and will turn to Merzlikins for the third time in the last five games. Merzlikins has allowed six goals in each of his last two contests (0-2-0), including a 45-save outing (.882 SV%) in his last contest, a 6-1 losing effort to the Colorado Avalanche. The Blue Jackets enter action as +137 road underdogs against the Arizona Coyotes.
John Beecher will replace van Riemsdyk in the lineup on Tuesday. The 34-year-old van Riemsdyk has only played two of the last five games for the Bruins and has zero points in his last seven contests.
Werenski is battling a lower-body injury but appears to be available for Friday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Werenski has been effective offensively lately, tallying five points (1G / 4A) in his last four games.
The Blue Jackets have been outscored 10-4 in their past two games (0-1-1) and will turn to Merzlikins to tend the twine on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche. Merzlikins has lost three straight, including a forgettable performance in his last outing, allowing six goals on 27 shots (.778 SV%) in a 6-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The Blue Jackets enter action as enormous +329 road underdogs.
Werenski is battling a lower-body injury and might be unavailable for Friday's game against the Colorado Avalanche. Werenski has been effective offensively lately, tallying five points (1G / 4A) in his last four games.
Labanc will take a seat on Tuesday in order to make way for the return of Jan Rutta (lower-body). Jacob MacDonald will slide up to forward in order to make room for Rutta on the back-end.
Tarasov has been excellent lately but has served as the backup in two of the last three games. He will return to the crease on Tuesday and look to continue his streak of allowing three or fewer goals in eight straight games, including saving 39 of 41 shots (.951 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-2 win over the San Jose Sharks. The Blue Jackets enter action as +150 road underdogs against a Detroit Red Wings club with only one win in their last nine games (1-8-0).
Van Riemsdyk will be a healthy scratch for the second time in the last three games. The veteran winger has been semi-productive this season with 38 points (11G / 27A) in 64 games but only has one point (0G / 1A) in his last 13 games.
Christiansen played three games with the Blue Jackets earlier this season but has spent most of the 2023-24 campaign in the AHL. He has 40 points (13G / 27A) in 54 games with the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) and could slot into the Blue Jackets lineup after being recalled due to Adam Boqvist suffering an upper-body injury.
Labanc will draw into the lineup as the Sharks are going to be forced to dress 13 forwards and just five defensemen as Jacob MacDonald (undisclosed) is unable to go. Labanc has two goals and five assists in 38 games this season.
