The Columbus Blue Jackets have made strategic roster moves ahead of their game against the Golden Knights in Las Vegas, recalling forward James Malatesta on emergency from the Cleveland Monsters and assigning defenseman David Jiricek to the AHL team. Malatesta, last year's Memorial Cup MVP, has tallied 12 goals, 9 assists, for a total of 21 points, and 79 penalty minutes in 53 games during his rookie season with Cleveland. The Blue Jackets also announced their lineup for the game, with notable inclusions and exclusions due to injuries. Goalie Adin Hill is expected to start for the Golden Knights, who are concluding a four-game homestand. During the game, Hill made his first big save to maintain a 2-1 lead, showcasing his quick reaction to a shot from Columbus.
Adin Hill with his first big save of the night there. Columbus threw it into the low slot and got a quick shot off, but Hill reacted quickly to kick it aside to keep it 2-1.
Puck has dropped between #CBJ and the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Tarasov vs. Hill
Tarasov to the left, Hill to the right, and #CBJ hockey is under way on the Vegas Strip
#CBJ starters in Vegas: Gaudreau-Jenner-Nylander Werenski-Severson Tarasov Scratches: F Kuraly (injury), F Fantilli (injury), F Danforth (injury), F Chinakhov (injury), F Malatesta, D Boqvist (injury) Adin Hill in the #VegasBorn net
Same lineup for #CBJ tonight in Vegas as last night, except for Tarasov in net. James Malatesta is taking warmups but doesn’t look like he’ll go in as Alex Nylander is good to go. Heck of a place to take warmups though.
The Golden Knights close out a four-game homestand Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Adin Hill is expected to start, and Zach Whitecloud will likely return. https://t.co/zZqBFtOba6
#CBJ will meet with the media around 2 p.m. ET here in Vegas so we'll see if Malatesta makes his NHL debut tonight. Another injury afoot? As for Malatesta, last year's Memorial Cup MVP has 12-9-21 and 79 PIM this year as a rookie in Cleveland. Energy guy.
#CBJ have made an emergency recall of forward James Malatesta from @monstershockey. David Jiricek has been assigned back to AHL Cleveland. Malatesta, a first-year pro, has 12-9-21 and 79 PIMs in 53 games with AHL Cleveland.
#CBJ NEWS: The Blue Jackets have added forward James Malatesta on emergency recall from @monstershockey and assigned defenseman David Jiricek to Cleveland. https://t.co/FFmUFXfHZH