Pre-game thoughts: Battle of the Blues, round 2

Tonight starts a run of 8 games against division opponents for the Jackets -- needless to say its an important stretch as the team looks to build upon its 7-3-2 start.

The Blues are coming off a game last night which saw them lose to central division opponent Chicago Blackhawks at home. One would think they aren't going to be a happy team, especially since they gave up two shorthanded goals. The Blues are a very similar team to ours...both teams have scored 33 goals while the Jackets have given up 4 less.

Keys to lighting em up

Jackets must shut down the Tkachuk - Boyes - Kariya line... those three forwards lead the Blues in scoring by a substantial margin....the Jackets shut them down they stand a good shot at winning this game.

Special teams are pretty even.....both teams go 1 & 2 in terms or PK rank..... the Jackets are 17th in PP while the Blues are 25th.....along the same lines as shutting down the Boyes line -- if the Jackets win the battle of the special teams they win this game.

As mentioned the Blues are playing the back end of a back2 back. If the Jackets have an advantage in this game its two days of rest so they must channel that energy into a good effective forecheck and smart two hockey and then bury their opportunities.

It would be nice to see a guy like David Vyborny get on the board tonight or a defensemen get one tonight to jumpstart the offense.

..and of course, we'll continue to need solid goaltending from Pascal Leclaire in net.

Also interesting to note that first overall pick for the Blues in 2006, Erik Johnson, will be playing tonight coming off an injury. This will be our first look at this young talented defensemen.

Should be a fun one tonight against two evenly matched teams.

-LTL