Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets returned from their holidays without several of their key contributors. In addition to missing Brandon Dubinsky and Zach Werenski, the Blue Jackets also lost Alexander Wennberg to a back injury as well as Cam Atkinson to a broken foot. As a result, the team recalled Sonny Milano, Jordan Schroeder, and Tyler Motte. Dean Kukan also came back to Columbus, but did not play.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, meanwhile, were looking to kickstart their season after struggling to open the year. Matt Murray would get the start, looking to bolster his 4-1-1 career mark against the Blue Jackets.