Game 66 Preview: Home, Finally.
by Mike MacLean on Mar 9, 2011 7:41 AM EST
in Game Previews
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I think it's safe to say that the five game road trip that the Jackets just completed can be chalked up as a failure. At such a crucial point in the season, playing against teams either in the playoff dogfight with them or below them in the standings (with the exception of Vancouver) the Jackets went 0-3-2. Steve Mason was inconsistent, and the forwards were ineffective.
| Game Time: 7:00 pm EST |
| TV: Fox Sports Ohio (HD) |
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| Blues vs Blue Jackets coverage |
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Opponent's Blog: St. Louis Game Time |
Tonight the Jackets return home to play four of their next five in Nationwide Arena. This evening marks the second half of the home-and-home with the Blues, and the Jackets must win. That's right, MUST WIN. They are falling behind in the standings, but an Octoberish run to end the season and a little luck may still get them in the playoffs.
The Blues are evenly matched with the Jackets, with the exception of the high-end talent leading the team. The Blues don't possess a Rick Nash. It's time for Nash, who has struggled to put the puck in the net of late, to get back on track and lead this team down the stretch. It's no coincidence that the team wasn't winning during his most recent offensive dry spell. He may have some help however, as center Derick Brassard may return tonight.
Scott Arniel has a dilemma- does he show confidence in his number one netminder, regardless of his recent struggles, or does he start Mathieu Garon in net tonight? For my money I'd go with Mase. The return to the friendly confines could serve as a mental boost.
The Blues will likely go with the same lineup as last game, but number one goalie Jaroslav Halak is returning to the lineup and will start.
Keys To The Game:
- Shoot, Shoot, Shoot - Halak has been out of action for a while, so the Jackets must pepper him with shots. Keep him busy and tire him out.
- Return of the Brass - While he remains a game-time decision, if Derick Brassard can go tonight here's hoping he can seamlessly slide in beside Nash and the two can rekindle the magic they had before Brass went to the IR.
- Limit the Turnovers - The Jackets need to avoid handing the puck over to the Blues. St.Louis is an opportunistic team offensively, and the Jackets need to keep things tight and avoid odd-man rushes against.
It's time for the Jackets to prove they are a contender in the West. No more easy games, everybody has to be committed. Blue Jackets Information:
Team Page
Schedule
Roster
Stats
Rick Nash
Derick Brassard
Jakub Voracek
R.J. Umberger
Antoine Vermette
Matt Calvert
Scottie Upshall
Samuel Pahlsson
Derek Dorsett
Ethan Moreau
Derek MacKenzie
Jared Boll
Jan Hejda
Sami Lepisto
Fedor Tyutin
Marc Methot
Grant Clitsome
Kris Russell
Steve Mason
Mathieu Garon
David Backes
Andy McDonald
Matt D'Agostini
Patrik Berglund
Alex Steen
Chris Stewart
Chris Porter
T.J. Oshie
T.J. Hensick
Ryan Reaves
Adam Cracknell
Cam Janssen
Barret Jackman
Alex Pietrangelo
Ian Cole
Kevin Shattenkirk
Carlo Colaiacovo
Nikita Nikitin
Jaroslav Halak
Ty Conklin
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To quote Scottie Upshall: Release The Brass!
Here’s hoping Brass can get back into the lineup and make a big impact right away.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
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Not sure I agree with you about Mason, Mac. He was awful, Monday, and I don’t know if I’d want to see him crap the bed against these guys again and have SA pull him in front of the home crowd. I really believe he’s very fragile, mentally, and that could end his effectiveness for the season. Honestly, without looking at the numbers, I don’t think he’s been better at home than on the road.
As for Brass, if he’s ready he can help. Not enthused about risking his future (and any shot at the playoffs), though, by putting him back on the top line before he’s healed enough to be effective. Hockey players are tough, so I have no doubt he’ll give it all he has, but we really need to get scoring from the Nash line. If he’s not strong enough on his stick because of his hand injury, it could cause real problems for them.
However it turns out, I retain some small smattering of hope for this season, and a reasonably optimistic view of next. A few more wins in the next week would really help, though!
"If less is more, think how much more MORE is!"
Welcome back Brass, I sure hope you can stop pucks because right now Mason can’t but according to him it’s everybody else’s fault. What an attitude.
The Blues just announced that T.J. Hensick is out, and that Scatchard will be called up.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter (if you're in the mood to be bored!)
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