With Elvis Merzlikins battling an upper-body injury, the Blue Jackets will turn to Tarasov between the pipes on Monday night. Despite only recording one win in his last three outings (1-2-0), Tarasov has played well lately, showcasing a solid .929 SV% while allowing three or fewer goals in each contest. That said, the Blue Jackets are +153 home underdogs against a Vegas Golden Knights club that has been outscored 12-6 over the last two games (0-2-0).

With Elvis Merzlikins battling an upper-body injury, the Blue Jackets will likely turn to Tarasov between the pipes on Monday night. Despite only recording one win in his last three outings (1-2-0), Tarasov has played well lately, showcasing a solid .929 SV% while allowing three or fewer goals in each contest. That said, the Blue Jackets are +153 home underdogs against a Vegas Golden Knights club that has been outscored 12-6 over the last two games (0-2-0).

Tarasov will get his first start in three games on Thursday after yielding the crease to Elvis Merzlikins for the Blue Jackets' previous two games. The 24-year-old has struggled for a second-straight season as his .887 SV% is the fourth worst among starters with nine or more games played which has resulted in his ugly 4-7-2 record and 3.65 GAA. He will take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, who have won five of their last seven games and are seventh in the NHL in shots per game (32.6).

Gadjovich played 8:15 time-on-ice on Tuesday, more than his season average, but will not play on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens due to an undisclosed ailment. The 25-year-old Gadjovich has four points (2G / 2A) in 31 games this season.

Bobrovsky will take back the Panthers' crease on Tuesday after handing it over to Anthony Stolarz for a win on Saturday. The 35-year-old Vezina winner will find himself back into trophy talks yet again this season due to his incredibly impressive 28-11-2 record, 2.36 GAA and .916 SV%. He will look to bring Florida their ninth win in 11 games as he takes on the surging Buffalo Sabres, who have won their last three games and four of their last five.

Foote has not played this season due to an undisclosed injury and will report to the Utica Comets (AHL) for a conditioning stint. Foote was the 27th overall pick of the Devils in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and had 37 points (20G / 17A) in 55 games with Utica last season.

Tkachuk was limited to only 5:39 time-on-ice before exiting Thursday's games against the Carolina Hurricanes with an undisclosed injury and subsequently did not play on Saturday against the Washington Capitals. Tkachuk was on a torrid pace before his injury, tallying 22 points (8G / 14A) in his previous 11 games.

Kunin played in the Sharks last game but is dealing with an undisclosed ailment, making his status uncertain for Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators. The bruising forward has been held off the scoresheet in 12 of his last 13 games.

Tarasov will start for the second straight game after an impressive outing in his last contest. On Wednesday, Tarasov exited the game briefly at the end of the second period but returned in the third en route to saving 27 of 29 shots (.931 SV%) in a 7-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Blue Jackets enter Friday's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres as +136 home underdogs.

Tkachuk suffered the injury late in the first period of Thursday's game and did not return. We should expect to receive an update on the injury and a potential timeline for his return in the coming days.