Columbus Blue Jackets News

The Red Wings have officially been eliminated from playoff contention and will likely turn to Talbot between the pipes on Monday against the Dallas Stars. Talbot has played well lately, giving the Red Wings a fighting chance, posting a 2.40 GAA and .922 SV% since the beginning of April (2-2-1). The 37-year-old netminder has a 2.88 GAA and .903 SV% in 45 games this season (20-19-4). The Red Wings enter Monday's contest as +104 home underdogs against a struggling Stars team on a five-game losing skid (0-3-2).

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).

The Red Wings likely need a miracle to make the playoffs after their loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, but they will look for a victory on Thursday, rolling with Talbot between the pipes. Talbot has been excellent lately, posting a 2.00 GAA and .934 SV% in four April games (2-1-1). He has a 2.85 GAA and .904 SV% in 44 appearances this season (20-18-4). The Red Wings enter Thursday's contest as +176 road underdogs against a Florida Panthers team coming off a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Red Wings likely need a miracle to make the playoffs after their loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday, but they will look for a victory on Thursday, likely rolling with Talbot between the pipes. Talbot has been excellent lately, posting a 2.00 GAA and .934 SV% in four April games (2-1-1). He has a 2.85 GAA and .904 SV% in 44 appearances this season (20-18-4). The Red Wings enter Thursday's contest as +176 road underdogs against a Florida Panthers team coming off a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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.

Talbot was excellent in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers, saving 32 of 33 shots (.970 SV%), and will return to the crease on Tuesday in a crucial game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 37-year-old Talbot has been excellent lately despite a modest 3-1-1 record, posting a superb 1.72 GAA and .945 SV% in his last five games.