As the pre-season draws to a close, us fans are getting ready for opening night. The excitement of a brand-new season of hockey. It’s a clean slate. Last season was last season.

We buy into the hope that “this is going to be our year.”

As Blue Jackets fans, we realistically understand that we aren’t going to be seeing Lord Stanley’s Cup, being lifted up in a confetti filled parade in downtown Columbus.

We just don’t want to suck as badly as we did last year, and maybe, just maybe, make the playoffs.

We certainly have a roster, capable of competing.

So, on Thursday, October 12th, we’re going to go in and work our nine to five, or our seven to three; knowing that when we get home, we’re going to see Jeff Rimer and Jody Shelly on our TV. Or maybe you’re going to hear Bob McElligott on WBNS-FM or whatever radio station near you, that carries the game.

We’ll pull out our Blue Jackets jersey and put it on. A show of support and solidarity, that they’re never gonna see, but it makes us feel like we are a part of it. Because as everyone knows…..

WE ARE THE 5TH LINE!!!

My line predictions for the Columbus Jackets 2023-2024 Season.

Forward Lines:

• Line 1 – Johnny Gaudreau – Boone Jenner – Kirill Marchenko
  The skills of Johnny Hockey, the youth, energy and scoring ability of Marchenko, mixed in with the veteran leadership of team captain Boone Jenner, make for a solid first line.

• Line 2 – Patrik Laine – Adam Fantilli – Kent Johnson
  Laine has a lethal shot and is already gaining chemistry with rookie #3 pick Fantilli. Fantilli showed great scoring ability at Michigan. Johnson showed speed and scoring ability with the Blue Jackets last season (16G, 24A, 40P). This could be a really good and fun line to watch.

• Line 3 – Alexandre Texier – Jack Roslovic – Yegor Chinakhov (injured)
  Texier is back after spending last season with ZSC Lions in Switzerland. He’ll bring his skill and tenacity to play. Roslovic is a playmaking center who creates chances down low. Chinakhov brings a lot of speed and is a feisty forward who plays hard with energy.
  
• Line 4 – Emil Bemstrom – Sean Kuraly – Dmitri Voronkov
  Bemstrom got thrust into the lineup last season, and showed he could hang. He’s had a nice preseason as well. Kuraly brings good defense and penalty killing down the middle. Voronkov has spent the last few years in the KHL. He brings size and toughness to the Blue Jackets forward line.
  
  Defensive Pairings:
  
• Line 1 – Zach Werenski – Damon Severson
  Werenski is one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Getting him back healthy makes a big difference. Severson is an above average defenseman, with good accurate passing abilities with the puck.
  
• Line 2 – Ivan Provorov – David Jiricek
  Head Coach Pascal Vincent called this pair “our best defensemen”. Provorov is just a good, solid, experienced, two-way defensemen. He can chip in on offense as well. Jiricek had success last season in Cleveland with 6G, 32A, 38P, and he’s already clicking with Provorov.
  
• Line 3 – Adam Boqvist – Erik Gudbranson
  Boqvist has proven that he can play in the NHL, and he can add offensive numbers as well. His biggest problem is that he can’t stay healthy. Gudbranson is a big, strong, physical defensemen. After being forced into the top line because of injuries, he’s back to where he’s best suited.
  
  On the bench:
• Forward – Eric Robinson. Forward Mathieu Olivier. Defenseman – Andrew Peeke.
  
  Goalies:
• Elvis Merzļikins – Starter, Daniil Tarasov(injured) – Backup, Spencer Martin will be the backup until Tarasov comes back.
• – Sean McKenzie
  
  Photos courtesy of Pinterest and Wallpapersafari
  
  Stats courtesy of ESPN and NHL