Columbus Blue Jackets Look to Rebound Against Utah Amid Injury Woes

Blue Jackets Return Home After Road Struggles

The Columbus Blue Jackets (25-20-6) return home for a four-game homestand on Thursday, looking to rebound after two straight losses, including a 3-2 defeat to Buffalo on Tuesday.

Despite a solid 2-2-0 road trip, Columbus faces a major challenge with injuries piling up at the worst possible time in their wild-card playoff race.

Key Injuries for Columbus

• D Zach Werenski (Upper Body) – Questionable
• D Dante Fabbro (Upper Body) – Out 2-3 weeks
• F Kirill Marchenko (Broken Jaw) – Out Indefinitely

Marchenko’s injury is a major setback as he leads the team in goals (23). With Werenski also uncertain, Columbus will rely on depth players to step up against Utah.

Despite their struggles, Columbus has been strong at home (17-5-3) and will need to capitalize on home ice to keep pace in the playoff hunt.

Utah Looking to Build Momentum on Road Trip

The Utah Hockey Club (22-22-7) enters this contest fresh off a 3-2 overtime win against Philadelphia that ended a five-game skid (0-3-2).

Dylan Guenther scored the OT winner in his first game back after missing 12 games due to injury. The win was crucial as Utah sits six points out of a Western Conference wild-card spot.

Key Players for Utah

• Dylan Guenther (18G, 15A, 33 PTS) – Leads team in goals
• Clayton Keller (18G, 39A, 57 PTS) – Captain & top point producer
• Mikhail Sergachev (10G, 18A, 28 PTS) – Scored in last game, tying career high

Utah’s road record (13-10-3) suggests they can be competitive, and head coach Andre Tourigny remains optimistic about a playoff push.

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Goaltending Matchup

Columbus: Elvis Merzlikins (Likely Starter)

• Record: 19-13-3
• GAA: 2.96 | SV%: .894
• Career vs. Utah (Arizona franchise): 2-2-1, 3.50 GAA

Backup Daniil Tarasov started in Columbus’ 3-2 OT win over Utah last week, making 32 saves.

Utah: Karel Vejmelka (Likely Starter)

• Record: 12-14-4
• GAA: 2.46 | SV%: .910
• Career vs. Columbus: 1-0-1, 2.48 GAA

Vejmelka has been steady despite Utah’s defensive inconsistencies and will need to be sharp against a Columbus team that still generates offense, even with injuries.

Final Thoughts: Can Columbus Overcome Injuries?

The Blue Jackets took the first meeting 3-2 in OT, but now they’re missing key contributors. Meanwhile, Utah has regained some momentum with Guenther back in the lineup.

With both teams desperate for points in the playoff race, expect a tight, high-intensity battle at Nationwide Arena.