Back from a successful road trip which saw the Jackets sweep the California clubs 3-0, the Jackets return to the sometimes friendly confines of Nationwide for a game against those pesky Preds. While the Jackets are an impressive 7-1 on the road, they are only 5-5 at home. A big win tonight to push that record over .500 would go a long way in continuing the Jackets’ recent success.
The Preds have always had the Jackets’ number, and are off to another decent start at 9-6-3. They don’t have a stud number one line to contain, or a great powerplay to be afraid of (currently 28th) but they are the league’s hardest working team and have solid goaltending.
Kris Russell, who sat out last game as a healthy scratch, will sit again tonight. I hope that we aren’t seeing a trend with Russ, the past two seasons he made his biggest impact after the all star game. He may be turning into a second-half player. More consistency is needed from Lil Shake, he’s the most talented blueliner on the team.
Looks like Mase is getting the start tonight, he likely won’t see much rubber so he’ll have to maintain his focus.
Come on Jackets, beat those Preds!