Loading
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Blue Jackets Host Lightning in 25th Anniversary Game | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray | Blue Jackets Host Lightning in 25th Anniversary Game | NHL Playoff Races Heat Up: Key Matchups and Surprising Contenders | Red Wings vs. Devils: Game Preview, Lineups, and Analysis (March 8, 2026) | Islanders and Sharks Clash in High-Stakes Playoff Battle | Sabres Face Predators After Active Trade Deadline: Preview, Lineups, and Storylines | Penguins Face Rival Flyers Without Crosby and Malkin | Maple Leafs, Kraken, and Kings Make Moves at the NHL Trade Deadline | Capitals Trade John Carlson: End of an Era in Washington | Blackhawks Mourn the Loss of Troy Murray

Hockey / NHL

Blue Jackets Host Lightning in 25th Anniversary Game

The Columbus Blue Jackets (1-3-0) host the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-2-2) tonight at Nationwide Arena in a special game celebrating the team's 25th anniversary. Columbus looks to bounce back from a recent loss and secure their first home win o...

PREVIEW: Blue Jackets finish opening homestand vs. Lightning
Share
X LinkedIn

lightning vs blue jackets
Blue Jackets Host Lightning in 25th Anniversary Game Image via NHL.com

Key Insights

  • The Blue Jackets will honor members of their inaugural 2000-01 team, including head coach Dave King and players Rostislav Klesla, Kevin Dineen, Ron Tugnutt, and Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre.
  • Jet Greaves will start in goal for the Blue Jackets.
  • Denton Mateychuk will play on the top defensive pairing with Zach Werenski.
  • Lightning's Nikita Kucherov missed the previous game due to illness and his status for tonight is uncertain.
  • Kirill Marchenko leads the Blue Jackets with four goals in the first four games.
  • Adam Fantilli will play with Boone Jenner and Kent Johnson on his line.

In-Depth Analysis

The Blue Jackets are aiming to improve their compete level after a disappointing loss to Colorado. Coach Dean Evason emphasized the importance of energy and aggressiveness. The Lightning, after an early exit in last year's playoffs, are looking to regain their elite status, though key players are aging.

**Projected Lineups:**

**Blue Jackets:** Dmitri Voronkov - Sean Monahan - Kirill Marchenko Boone Jenner - Adam Fantilli - Kent Johnson Cole Sillinger - Charlie Coyle - Mathieu Olivier Zach Aston-Reese - Isac Lundestrom - Yegor Chinakhov

Zach Werenski - Denton Mateychuk Ivan Provorov - Damon Severson Jake Christiansen - Dante Fabbro

Jet Greaves Elvis Merzlikins

**Tampa Bay Lightning:** Jake Guentzel - Brayden Point - Brandon Hagel Conor Geekie - Anthony Cirelli - Gage Goncalves Pontus Holmberg - Yanni Gourde - Oliver Bjorkstrand Mitchell Chaffee - Jack Finley - Curtis Douglas

Victor Hedman - J.J. Moser Ryan McDonagh - Erik Cernak Emil Lilleberg - Darren Raddysh

Jonas Johansson Andrei Vasilevskiy

**Why This Matters:** This game is an opportunity for the Blue Jackets to demonstrate their resilience and establish a winning mentality early in the season. For the Lightning, it's a chance to solidify their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

Read source article

FAQ

Who is starting in goal for the Blue Jackets?

Jet Greaves will start in goal.

Are there any injuries for the Blue Jackets?

Erik Gudbranson and Miles Wood remain out with injuries.

Who is leading the Blue Jackets in goals?

Kirill Marchenko leads with four goals.

Takeaways

  • The Blue Jackets are looking to honor their history and build momentum with a strong performance against a tough Lightning team. Key players to watch include Kirill Marchenko and Adam Fantilli. The Lightning need a win to get back on track after a slow start to the season. Keep an eye on the status of Nikita Kucherov.

Discussion

Do you think the Blue Jackets can pull off the win tonight? Share your predictions below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.

All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.

This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.

Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.