Brooke: Boston Buckberger is looking for that power-play assist he missed against Detroit, Jet Greaves is in net for a must-win test, and Columbus has a massive injury list to navigate. This is not just another preseason tune-up.
Tony: It’s the final hurdle before the regular season starts tomorrow. The Blue Jackets are 1-1-0, sitting third in the Metropolitan Division after a tough loss to Buffalo last night. We’ve got the full preview right now on the Beatline Podcast Network.
Brooke: Welcome back, Jact fans! I’m Brooke, alongside Tony, as we break down everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s game: Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s 7 PM ET here at Nationwide Arena.
Tony: That’s right. If you’re tuning in from outside the arena, you’re getting the tactical deep dive. We’re going to talk about the matchup angles, the key players like Kent Johnson and Corson Ceulemans, and how the front office is managing this roster crunch with ten centers competing for spots.
Brooke: Here is what we are covering today. First, we look at the storylines heading into the Pittsburgh game and why Zach Werenski’s comments matter right now. Second, we break down the injuries—specifically Adam Fantilli, Dante Fabbro, and Riley Bezeau being out—and who steps up. And third, we give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction for tonight.
Tony: And remember, we talked about Boston Buckberger’s potential impact yesterday. Tonight is his chance to show us something new in the neutral zone. Let’s get into it.
Brooke: Okay, Tony, let’s start with the big picture. The Blue Jackets came off a 5-1 loss to the Sabres last night. Noah Ostlund had two goals for Buffalo, and Owen Power was the point leader. But now they turn around and face the Penguins. What’s the biggest storyline here?
Tony: The biggest storyline is resilience. You lose by four to a team that’s going to be dangerous next year, and then you have to bounce back immediately. The coaching staff needs to see if the defensive structure holds up against a skilled Pittsburgh attack. We’ve seen Zach Werenski talk about his future with the team, and he believes the fans are still on his side. That emotional connection is huge for morale.
Brooke: Right, and that contract extension for Cole Sillinger—three years, $13.875 million—is a statement. The front office is locking in young talent. But defensively, they’re missing pieces. Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger are day-to-day. Dante Fabbro and Riley Bezeau are out. Adam Fantilli is also out.
Tony: Fantilli being out is a significant blow to the center depth. When you have ten centers fighting for roster spots, losing one of those top-tier options changes the line matching entirely. Erik Gudbranson and Ivan Provorov are going to have to carry more minutes on the blue line. They need to be physical in their own zone.
Brooke: Let’s talk about the goalie situation. Jet Greaves signed that three-year, $15 million deal through 2028-29. He’s starting tonight. After giving up five goals to Buffalo, does he need a strong performance to silence any critics?
Tony: Absolutely. Greaves has the long-term role, but the pressure is real. He can’t rely on the defense to clean up every mistake. Pittsburgh will test his rebound control. If the puck gets loose in the slot, he needs to collapse quickly. That’s the key for him tonight.
Brooke: We mentioned the centers earlier. Kent Johnson had an assist in the last game, and Corson Ceulemans scored. With Fantilli out, who do you see getting the primary opportunity on the second line?
Tony: I think Isac Lundestrom or maybe even Sean Monahan sees more time there. Monahan brings that veteran presence and face-off stability. If the coaches want to stabilize the middle, Monahan is the safe play. But if they want speed, Luco Del Bel Belluz might get a shot against Pittsburgh’s bottom pair.
Brooke: Interesting. So we’re seeing a mix of veterans trying to prove their worth and young guys fighting for ice time. It’s a crowded locker room. Let’s move to Segment Two, where we’ll dig into the specific matchups and those injuries again.
Tony: Thanks, Brooke. Let’s get granular. The injuries are the elephant in the room. Adam Fantilli, Dante Fabbro, Riley Bezeau—all out. Jason Zucker is out too. That’s a lot of bodies gone. Who is actually dressed for tonight?
Brooke: Well, we know Mikael Pyyhtia is day-to-day, so he might suit up. But for sure, Valeri Nichushkin is playing. He’s been a bright spot. Kirill Marchenko is expected to be on the wing. And Dmitri Voronkov, who had that assist against Buffalo, should be in the mix.
Tony: Vorokov and Marchenko together could be a potent force if they get some sustained zone time. The issue is the forecheck. Pittsburgh is known for their aggressive neutral-zone trap. If Columbus can’t get the puck across the blue line cleanly, they’re going to struggle.
Brooke: That’s where Boston Buckberger comes in. We predicted he’d get an assist on a power-play goal against Detroit. He didn’t. Last night against Buffalo, did he have any chances?
Tony: He’s getting opportunities, but the execution hasn’t been there yet. Buckberger has the skill, but he’s still adjusting to the pace. Against Pittsburgh, if he stays low in the circle during the power play, he could pick his spot. He needs to be patient.
Brooke: Let’s talk about the defensive pairings. With Fabbro and Bezeau out, who is pairing with Ivan Provorov? And who is with Erik Gudbranson?
Tony: I expect Caleb MacDonald to step up. He’s physical and can handle the minutes. For Gudbranson, it might be Jake Christiansen or Charlie Elick. Those guys need to clear the crease. If they don’t, Greaves is going to get bombarded.
Brooke: Charlie Coyle is also in the lineup. He’s a steady hand. How important is his leadership right now with all these absences?
Tony: Critical. Coyle knows how to kill penalties. If the Blue Jackets are shorthanded because of the injuries, Coyle’s positioning in the neutral zone can save them. He’s the guy who makes the simple, smart play when things get chaotic.
Brooke: What about the power play unit? Who is running the show? Danton Heinen and Miles Wood seem likely candidates for the top unit.
Tony: Heinen is creative, but he needs space. If the Penguins clog the middle, the Blue Jackets need to move the puck faster. I think Conor Garland might see time on the second unit to provide a spark. He’s fast and can create separation.
Brooke: So we have a lot of moving parts. Ten centers, missing key defenders, and a goalie under pressure. It’s a complex puzzle for the coaching staff. Let’s head into Segment Three, where we’ll wrap it up with our keys to the game and a prediction.
Brooke: Before we get to the prediction, I want to say something real quick. This podcast is free, no ads, no paywall. Just hockey talk. To keep this happening every single day, please check out the link in the episode description. Your support keeps us independent and on the ice for you.
Tony: That’s right. If you love this level of detail, help us keep it going. Now, let’s finish up. Keys to the game for Columbus: First, win the face-offs in the offensive zone. Second, limit high-danger chances for Pittsburgh. Third, Greaves needs to make that first save count.
Brooke: And my bold prediction? I think the Blue Jackets hold on for a 3-2 win. I expect Kent Johnson to score the go-ahead goal in the third period. He’s due.
Tony: I’ll take the Blue Jackets too, but I think it’s tighter. Maybe 2-1. I predict Boston Buckberger finally gets that assist tonight on a power-play goal. He’s due for a positive result.
Brooke: Alright, Jact fans, get ready. Pittsburgh at Columbus, 7 PM ET. Tune in for the action. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. We’ll see you tomorrow!