Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild 10/06/07 8:00 P.M. EST

Lineups

Columbus Blue Jackets

Nash-Fedorov-Vyborny
Chimera-Novotny-Zherdev
Modin-Malhotra-Brule
Fritsche-Boll

Klesla-Hejda
Foote-Westcott
Tollefsen-Russell
Hainsey


Norrena
Leclaire

Minnesota Wild

Demitra Sheppard? Gaborik
Rolston Belanger Bouchard
Radivoiavic Koivu Parrish
Vellieux Moore Foy/Boogard

Schultz Johnsson
Carney Burns
Nummelin Skoula

Backstrom

Game notes

For anyone that thinks we lack centers I refer you to the Minnesota Wild. This is a team that has Walz, Koivu, Belange and Moore down the middle. Walz, according to Aaron Portzline, will not play tonight due to an injury.

I also refer those that think our lineup isn't talented enough to make the playoffs to Minnesota. On paper I think we are easily just as skilled. The difference between the two playoff appearances for the Wild and none for us I contend has always been their superior coaching. We have that now. I contend that if the Wild have enough talent to make the playoffs then so does this team.

Norrena gets his chance tonight to start for the Jackets. In his two career starts versus the Wild Norrena has gone 2-0.

Minnesota is a very tough team to beat at home. The Jackets are going to need to match the effort that had last night versus Anaheim to have a chance in this one.

It will be interesting to see if Hitch sticks with 7 defensemen of if he dresses Shelley tonight. Minnesota has one of the toughest enforcers around in Derick Boogard. Will Hitch match that with Shelley or play around him?

Tonight should be a very good test and gauge for where this team stands.

-LTL