BLUE JACKETS (25-15-3) at CAPITALS (27-12-4) 7 p.m. ET; ESPN+, NBCSWA, FS-O, NHL.TV
Joonas Korpisalo will start for the Blue Jackets. Bobrovsky was not with Columbus for a win against the Nashville Predators on Thursday because of an incident that failed to meet "certain expectations and values," according to general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Bobrovsky and Kekalainen met with the Blue Jackets Friday before practice, which Bobrovsky participated in. Columbus is 8-3-0 in its past 11 games. The Capitals are on a three-game winning streak after a three-game losing streak (0-2-1). They have allowed two goals or fewer in seven of their past 10 games.
Players to watch
Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin has 13 points (six goals and seven assists) in his past nine games. Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin needs one goal to tie Dave Andreychuk (640) for 14th place on NHL all-time list, and one power-play goal to pass Brendan Shanahan (237) for sole possession of sixth place on NHL all-time list.
They said it
"Move ahead. We handled the situation inside the locker room. We go about our business now." -- Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella on Bobrovsky "They go to the net hard. They simplify their game. They put a lot of pucks to the net from different areas. They definitely bring their work boots for sure, and we've got to match that effort tonight." -- Capitals coach Todd Reirden on the Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets did not have a morning skate, but Bobrovsky was on the ice with a coach at the Capitals practice facility. … Murray did not travel with the team. … Columbus recalled Carlsson from Cleveland of the American Hockey League. … The Capitals held a full morning skate.
Stat pack
Dubois has three goals and eight assists in his past 10 games. … Vrana has three goals and one assist in his past two games.
