Game 5 Preview: Taking the Fight to Dallas

Columbus Blue Jackets at Dallas Stars

October 10, 2011 - 8pm EDT
American Airlines Center - Dallas, Texas
Radio - WWCD FM 102.5 - TV - Fox Sports Ohio
Opponents Blog: Defending Big D
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The Jackets ook to put a stop to their franchise-worst 0-3-1 start as they visit the Dallas Stars tonight. The Stars are not the loaded team they have been in recent years, but remain a tough opponent. They have an abundance of hard-working, grinder-types with some skill sprinkled over top, in the form of Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson. Eriksson is hands-down one of my personal favorite players to watch, he is as dynamic a winger as there is in the NHL.

The Jackets made one major lineup move, sending winger Cam Atkinson to the AHL, and calling up Alexandre Giroux. This move's sole purpose is to kick-start the offense on the second line. He'll jump right on the second line with R.J. Umberger and Antoine Vermette-two players who have yet to record a point this season.

We'll update in time for the game thread, but it looks like Derick Brassard may miss the game with a tweaked groin. My guess is that if he's good to go, you'll see him take Mayorov's spot in the lineup.

Projected Lineups

(Note: Lines are based on combinations used in practice yesterday and are subject to change)

Columbus Blue Jackets
('10-'11: 34-35-13, 81 Points; 5th division, 13th conference)

Dallas Stars
('10-'11: 42-29-11, 95 Points; 5th Division, 9th Conference)

By The Numbers ('10-'11 Season)

Scoring
DAL - 2.71 G/G (17th)
CBJ - 2.56 G/G (24th)

Defense
DAL - 2.76 GA/G (15th)
CBJ - 3.05 GA/G (26th)

Power Play
DAL - 18.0% (14th)
CBJ - 14.0% (29th)

Penalty Kill
DAL- 80.1% (23rd)
CBJ - 80.3% (22nd)

Game Notes:

• This is an important game for Steve Mason. He hasn't been at fault 100% for the Jackets lack of success this season, but he hasn't gone out of his way to steal a game either. He needs to lock it up tonight.
  
• Jeff Carter leads the team with 17 shots on goal, but has yet to light the lamp. Tonight would be a good time.
  
• I was hoping to sneak this in, rather than point it out in the breakdown above- the Columbus powerplay is still 0-fer-season.
  
• Souray leads the Stars in +/- with a +3. Huh?
• Columbus is fifth in the league in PIMs/game. That needs to change!
• Enjoy the game folks.