Pre-game thoughts: Jackets look to carry momentum into Big D

First off if you looking for a place to watch the game today, Mike and Natalie at the RBar are hosting an away game viewing party with a crock full of brats and dogs for everyone in attendance. Besides being at the game in person, nothing beats taking in a game at the Rbar. Location can be found here.

Now on to the game.

The Jackets play Dallas today (2 p.m. EST start) in the Big D fresh off a road win against Phoenix in which Rick Nash scored perhaps the biggest goal in Blue Jackets history.

The Jackets look to make it 5 in a row against a battle hardened Dallas team that sits 5 points above them in the standings.

Some good news is that Fredrick Modin will make his first start since November 1st.

Lots of questions in this one? How will the Jackets react to a big emotional road win against the Coyotes? How will they respond with Modin back in the lineup? Can they make it two in a row on the road - something they have yet to do this season?

Keys to lighting em up

Keep on keepin on. The Jackets are on roll so keep doing what your doing. Don't get to high and don't get to low. Puck-rakers had a nice point in their blog that the Jackets are finding different ways to win games lately and that is a very good sign for this team.

Shut down the points on Dallas. All of Dallas' offense is generated from the points. The Jackets must be aware of this, especially the wingers, and take away shooting lanes and block shots. The Jackets catch a break with Sergei Zubov expected out of the lineup.

Dallas special teams special. Dallas has the #1 ranked penalty kill and the 10th best PP. Obviously they win games on the special teams with those kinds of numbers. The Jackets have their work cut out for them and will need to match or better Dallas.

Watch out for Ribero on the PP, he likes to set up behind the goal ala the Great One and find Morrow in the slot for a one-timer. Very effective play.

Nash said it last game, the Jackets best players have to be that. They were against Phoenix, and they'll have to be again tonight.

Norrena gets the start this afternoon. No softies.

Don't use early start as en excuse to come out flat. Since its a 2 p.m. EST start the game day routines will be thrown for a loop. That's no excuse to come out flat.

Score first.

Watch Ribeiro line. Ribeiro leads this team 50 points in 46 gp. He and Morrow are the offensive lightning rods for this squad. They need to shut them down or at least limit them considerably.

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The Jackets owe this team. The Stars have beaten the Jackets twice in their building - its payback time!

A win this afternoon would be the first 5 game win streak of the season and start off this road trip with a 2-0 record. Lot of work to be done starting at 2 before that can happen though.

GO JACKETS!

-LTL