Erik Gudbranson

Tanner Jeannot drops the gloves with 6-foot-5 Erik Gudbranson, and Mark Kastelic answers the bell against Mathieu Olivier just seconds later, flipping the script on a 3-0 Columbus lead at Nationwide Arena. Those heavyweight tilts wake up a Bruins team that's been grinding through injuries and tough stretches all season, setting the stage for Jeremy Swayman to stonewall the Blue Jackets down the stretch.

Erik Gudbranson sits as a game-time call for Tuesday's matchup, leaving Columbus coaches sweating the blue line. The veteran defender's status hangs in the balance after recent bumps, and his presence could shift the entire defensive scheme. Teams like his always feel the pinch when tough customers like Gudbranson toe the line uncertainly.