Jackets fall to Carolina in shootout 2-1

Despite out shooting the Carolina 42 - 21, Hurricans' Andrew Ladd won the game in a shootout after 17 shooters. Curtis Glencross broke the stalemate late in the 2nd period notching a goal off a Fedorov redirection. That lead stood until Eric Cole was able to redirect a shot in the waning minutes of the 3rd period.

It was a strong physical bounce back game for the Jackets who really dominated the 2nd period and most of the 3rd. Unfortunately for the Jackets they only converted 1 of 10 PP chances. Pascal Leclaire made some game saving stops stopping 20 of 21 shots and was the 2nd star of the evening.

The Jackets lineup tonight was a mixed bag of veterans and rookies that went up against a Carolina Hurricanes lineup that is pretty much their full lineup they will take into the season.

Tommy Sestito, Ron Hainsey, OK Tollefsen and Curtis Glencross were all involved in fighting major so this one got physical.

Lit it up

Pascal Leclaire. From the sound of it Pascal Leclaire played a great game. In the interview after the game he said his knee, which held him out of most of last season, felt great and he doesn't even think about it. In fact, he said he's tired of talking about it. His game definitely looks on and I think right now he's got the inside edge at starting opening night. He also looked much better in the shootout tonight even though he was eventually beat by the 8th shooter.

Joel Bouchard (pictured right). Blocked 5 shots, had an assist and played close to 23 minutes. This was by far Bouchard's best game and he's making a case.

Physical game. The Jackets bounced back strong tonight bringing their anticipated style of in-your-face hockey. They got under the 'canes skin and they out hit them 19-9. The checking really opened up the ice for the Jackets and this mix bag of players really took it to the veteran lineup that 'canes iced.

Dim the light

Kris Beech. He played between between Glencross and Lindstom and really seemed to have a rebound game after a dismal performance the night before. He didn't light the world fire but had close to 20 min in ice time, 7 shots, and won 7 of 8 at the circle. Perhaps the pressure was off thus he was more relaxed and played more of his game?

PK. Penalty killing continues to be strong and its needed to be. The Jackets killed off 6 penalties tonight the majority of which coming in the first period.

Russians. Was hard to get a read on both Fedorov (who had an assist) and Zherdev. What amazes me is the amount of time they played tonight. Zherdev played over 26 minutes and Fedorov played over 24. Its clear Hitch is trying to figure just what do with these two playing them in every situation. He must have liked something tonight, especially with Z. Still though, only one point between them and 8 shots.

Busted Bulbs

Offense. The offense continues to be anemic. They got plenty of shots on net but only one fell. This team has to learn to put away opponents when they've got them on the ropes - and they definitely had Carolina on the ropes tonight. Going 1 for 10 is simply unacceptable. Must.find.offense. To the 'canes credit though, Cam Ward played outstanding.

All in all though it was a very good sign to see this squad bounce back after a terrible performance last night. This is the brand of hockey they will be striving for each and every night.

Whats funny is that the Jackets during the preseason are 0-3-1 at home. On the road they are 2-0-1. For a team that has been historically awful on the road the early signs point to them being more loose. Perhaps its the schedule, perhaps its just coincidence but its certainly noteworthy.

Final game of the preseason is Saturday @ Nashville at 8 p.m. EST. No TV for this one, only radio.
-LTL