Game 32 Preview: Ducks in Columbus
Sure, it sucked losing to the Preds, again. Tonight however the Ducks come to town. They are not playing to their level whatsoever, and the Jackets need to take advantage of that. That being said, so far this season the Jackets have failed for the most part in capitalizing on other team's woes. The Ducks always play the Jackets tough, so it will no doubt be a rough, physical affair.
The Jackets see the return of Freddy tonight, this will be his first game of the season. I am excited to see what he and Sammy can do together. Their chemistry on the international scene will hopefully translate to the Jackets. Murr-dog will sit tonight. There aren't any other major lineup changes from the last few games. Mase will get the start against Hiller.
Here's hoping that Nasher can keep putting the puck in the net, it was so good to see him score last game and he needs to continue to do that. If his line can produce, it will allow the other lines to get things going without having to face top checkers. I wouldn't put it past Boller to have a go with either Brown or Parros tonight, regardless of the coach's putting the leash on him.
Should be a good one!
Fearless Prediction: The Ducks aren't playing very well, the Jackets get a much-needed win. Will be a very physical game. Modin and Pahlsson show instant chemistry.
Game Time: 7:00pm ET
Opponent's Blog: Anaheim Calling
Game Page: Ducks vs Blue Jackets Coverage
TSN Preview: Ducks vs Blue Jackets Preview
TV: FSN Ohio
Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)
More after the jump...
From the Columbus Dispatch:
Hitchcock, tongue in cheek, on Anaheim C Ryan Getzlaf: "I think we've done really well against Getzlaf. We've only allowed him five points in two games. We have to keep up that pace. If we keep it up, we'll only allow him 20 points."
Jackets Links:
Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule
Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats
Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Kristian Huselius | Antoine Vermette | Rick Nash |
| Jason Chimera | R.J. Umberger | Jakub Voracek |
| Fredrik Modin | Samuel Pahlsson | Jared Boll |
| Raffi Torres | Derick Brassard | Derek Dorsett |
| Fedor Tyutin | Anton Stralman |
| Mike Commodore | Jan Hejda |
| Kris Russell | Marc Methot |
| Mathieu Garon |
| Steve Mason |
| EXTRA: Michael Blunden, Mathieu Roy, Andrew Murray |
| INJURED: Rostislav Klesla |
| Kyle Calder | Ryan Getzlaf | Corey Perry |
| Bobby Ryan | Saku Koivu | Dan Sexton |
| Matt Beleskey | Todd Marchant | Petteri Nokelainen |
| Mike Brown | Kyle Chipchura | George Parros |
| Scott Niedermayer | Brett Festerling |
| Ryan Whitney | Nick Boynton |
| James Wisniewski | Sheldon Brookbank |
| Jonas Hiller |
| J.S. Giguere |