Pre-game thoughts: Jackets look to fend off season sweep by Dallas

The Jackets are back in Dallas tonight tonight to face the Stars. This after suffering their 3rd loss in 3 games thus far this season by a score of 3-1 on Friday night. A game in which the Jackets dominated in every area but the scoreboard.

So tonight the Jackets get a chance to not just stop a Stars sweep but also end a 2 game losing streak and get to .500 on the 5 game road trip.

Keys to lighting em up

We'll keep this pretty simple tonight. Score more than them. Certainly 1 goal could win it but hardly likely. Offense needs to do some damage tonight.

Can Brassard make something happen on top line? He looked good in the 3rd period against the Avalanche but as Hitch said, that was when the Avs already had the game in hand. Remember this kid is just a rookie but the Jackets could certainly use a spark down the middle between Nash and Modin.

Dallas special teams. They are good. The Jackets did a really good job of shutting them down on Friday, will have to do so again.

Take advantage of Stars injuries. They did not do it Friday but if Zubov, Boucher, Jokinen and co. are still out -- the Jackets have got to take advantage of exploit this Stars lineup.

The Jackets really really REALLY need to score first tonight. They are way to fragile if they don't get that first one on the board.

Leclaire needs a few "big saves" tonight. This team puts a lot of pressure on its goaltenders to be damn near perfect every night. Its not exactly fare but that's the type of team the Jackets are at this point. No different tonight, Leclaire will have to be Jackets best player.

Ribeiro, Morrow. Top two scorers who have been very dangerous on the powerplay. Morrow got a goal last game, the first goal and they went on to win. Can't allow these two to be the difference out here again.

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I expect the Jackets to come out hard tonight. They usually do after bad losses. They need to find a way to turn that energy into goals. The Stars are a seasoned disciplined team, they will be ready.

-LTL