Pre-game thoughts: Jackets try to make it two in a row

This one will be a really short one but figure at the very least throw some quick comments out there and get some comments from those who won't make to the game tonight.

The 4-6 Jackets take on the 4-3-3 Chicago Blackhawks. Its a division game against a 'hawks team coming off a strong 5-2 win over Dallas Stars last night.

KEYS TO LIGHTING EM UP
* Hawks are right in the mist of their "new coach bump" -- you know the bump every team gets when they change coaches that usually last 10 games. Expect the 'hawks to show up tonight and put in a workmanlike effort -- the Jackets will have to be better.

* Nash has got to get it going. Same with Huselius.

* Special teams per usual will play an important key. For starters, it would be nice if the Jackets could actually get a PP this game. Hawks are 18th while the Jackets are 23rd on the man advantage. The hawks are 7th on the PK while he Jackets are 13th. A pp goal for the Jackets would be H-U-G-E!

* Chicago is 0-3-1 on the road. Jackets can't let them get their first road win tonight.

* Jackets defense needs a strong, if not stronger effort, than what they put in against Colorado which was excellent.

* Norrena...just play like you did Thursday.

* Sophmore sensation Jonathen Toews is goal-less in 10 games. Lets keep it that way. On the flip side Patrick Kane is just as dangerous as he was last year leading the 'hawks in scoring with 12 points in 10 games. In fact the 'hawks have a lot offensive weapons for the Jackets to contain in those two plus Sharp, Campbell and Havlat.

* Brassard and Voracek....just another night for these two to shine.

* Chimera....I dunno...rip em when you get em.

* I think Chicago's defense is questionable and an area the Jackets can really take advantage of. They are pretty mobile but not overly big and physical.

GAME SPOTLIGHT
Raffi Torres is back in the ineup and it doesn't sound like he's a 100% but according to him he's ready to go. 1. Don't fight Ben Eager. 2. Would be nice if he can give the Peca line a spark.

I hope there is a decent crowd tonight but I'm not expecting much.

The 'hawks are playing the back end of a back2back so the Jackets have no excuses for lack of effort.

The Jackets have yet to win two in a row this season and with 6 of the next 7 this is a prime time opportunity to get on a run and back into the mix.

Tonight is no time to lay an egg.

GO JACKETS!

-LTL