Columbus Blue Jackets News

The Blue Jackets were officially eliminated from the playoffs last night when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Carolina Hurricanes. Still, they will likely roll with their red-hot goalie, Greaves, in their season finale on Thursday against the New York Islanders. The 24-year-old Greaves has been outstanding for the Blue Jackets lately, keeping them in playoff contention throughout April, posting an absurd 0.75 GAA and .976 SV% in four games (4-0-0). The Blue Jackets enter Thursday's contest as -142 home favorites against an Islanders team that has only scored twice in their last two games (1-1-0).

The Blue Jackets playoff hopes are slim, but they need a victory to stay alive on Tuesday and will turn to Greaves between the pipes. Greaves has been excellent for the Blue Jackets lately, posting a stellar 1.00 GAA and .968 SV% in three April games (3-0-0). The 24-year-old goalie has a 2.22 GAA and .927 SV% in nine games (5-2-2). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as -139 road favorites against a Philadelphia Flyers team with points in six of their last seven (5-1-1).

The Blue Jackets playoff hopes are slim, but they need a victory to stay alive on Tuesday and will likely turn to Greaves between the pipes. Greaves has been excellent for the Blue Jackets lately, posting a stellar 1.00 GAA and .968 SV% in three April games (3-0-0). The 24-year-old goalie has a 2.22 GAA and .927 SV% in nine games (5-2-2). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest as -139 road favorites against a Philadelphia Flyers team with points in six of their last seven (5-1-1).

Christiansen exited Thursday's 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres after only 4:14 time-on-ice and will not play on Saturday against the Washington Capitals. The 25-year-old Christiansen is averaging 12:32 time-on-ice and has eight points (1G / 7A) in 68 games this season.

Merzlikins did not suit up on Thursday after exiting practice early and will miss at least one more game. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 3.18 GAA and .892 SV% in 53 games this season (26-21-5).

With Elvis Merzlikins (undisclosed) unavailable, the Blue Jackets will turn to Greaves for Thursday's game against the Sabres. Greaves has not appeared in an NHL game since March 17th, when he allowed two goals on 20 shots in a 2-1 loss to the Devils. The 23-year-old netminder has made 16 career starts across three seasons, posting a lowly 5-9-2 record despite an impressive .910 SV%. Greaves and the Blue Jackets enter action on Thursday at -140 on the money line.

Merzlikins was practicing in the starter's crease at the Blue Jackets' morning skate on Thursday, but has suffered an undisclosed injury and will not play against the Buffalo Sabres. The 30-year-old Merzlikins has a 3.18 GAA and .892 SV% in 53 games this season (26-21-5).

Jack Johnson will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators, allowing Christiansen to re-enter the lineup. The 25-year-old Christiansen has only played one game since March 13th. He is averaging 12:41 time-on-ice and has eight points (1G / 7A) in 66 games this season.

The Blue Jackets have been outscored 16-3 in their last three games (0-3-0), effectively removing them from the race for a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Still, they will remain hopeful with Merzlikins between the pipes on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators. Merzlikins played well in a relief appearance against the Senators on Sunday, saving 22 of 23 shots (.957 SV%) in a 4-0 loss. The 30-year-old goalie has a 3.20 GAA and .891 SV% in 52 games this season (25-21-5). The Blue Jackets enter Tuesday's contest +105 home underdogs against a Senators team outscoring their opposition 9-1 during a three-game winning streak.

With Jonathan Drouin (undisclosed) and Martin Necas (undisclosed) sidelined on Thursday, Jimmy Vesey and Miles Wood will draw into Colorado's lineup. The 29-year-old Wood is averaging 11:07 time-on-ice and has four points (2G / 2A) in 32 games this season.