Return of Bobrovsky, Horton provide some optimism as Blue Jackets look ahead to rest of season

Columbus Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen (19) celebrates with teammate Brandon Dubinsky (17) after scoring the game winning goal during the shootout period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in New York. The Blue Jackets won the game 4-3 in a shootout. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72), of Russia, stops a shot on the goal by New York Rangers' Rick Nash (61) during the shootout period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in New York. The Blue Jackets won the game 4-3 in a shootout. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (The Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio – After a first half of the season in which they've played without many of their top players for long stretches, the Columbus Blue Jackets seemed to be getting healthy.

At least they were until Blake Comeau went awkwardly into the boards during practice Thursday.

Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is back, winger Nathan Horton is finally seeing action and forward Matt Calvert will rejoin the team against Carolina on Friday night.

Marian Gaborik and Jared Boll are still a long way from playing due to injuries, yet the Blue Jackets — five points out of third place in the Eastern Conference's Metropolitan Division heading into Thursday's action — are feeling good about their chances of building some momentum.