A Statement in Dallas on Thursday, A Divison Battle Saturday

Was it coincidence that the first game after the controversial departure of Nikita Filatov to Russia turned out to be a showcase for the very Ken Hitchcock system that young Niki couldn’t handle? I think not.  For all the fans angry with Hitch for driving away our future superstar (myself included), this was his way of reminding us not to question him. He lead the Blue Jackets to their first ever playoff berth last season; this season he has the team off to their best start in franchise history. If having a solid season and making the playoffs again has to come at the expense of Filatov’s development in Columbus, then so be it. I can get by on his youtube hightlight videos until he returns.

Thursday’s game featured four four fights in the first period and the hitting all game was ferocious. Early in the second period, Derek Dorsett wast knocked out by a James Neal hit from behind. It was scary to watch, as Dorsett got to his knees before collapsing back to the ice. But kudos to the team for remaining level-headed and taking advantage of the situation by scoring twice on the ensuring power play, and kudos to the league for acting quickly and suspending Neal for two games.

Aside from the usual MVP performance by the Captain, and a show-stopping short-handed goal by Kristian Huselius with .03 seconds left in the first, this game belonged to the gritty and physical players (the anti-Filatovs) that Hitch loves so much. Jason Chimera, Derek MacKenzie, Raffi Torres, Derek Dorsett, and RJ Umberger all put up big minutes, played solid defense, and pretty much out-worked and out muscled the Stars throughout the game.

Hitch’s defensive system, along with solid net minding by Steve Mason, shut down the Dallas offense, keeping the likes of Brad Richards, Brendan Morrow, Loui Eriksson and Mike Ribeiro off the score sheet. Mike Commodore looks to be back in game shape and the impact of him and Jan Hejda’s defense cannot be understated. Both players will be crucial to the Jackets sucess going forward the rest of the season.

Hitch and the Jackets game against Dallas was a statement. The Blue Jackets are built to win right now and Hitch demands nothing less than playoff effort each night. There is definitely a lot to be concerned about regarding the Filatov situation – but that concern can wait until the offseason.

Saturday night brings the Predators, which promises to be a great division battle. Nashville has rebounded from a rough start, and is on a roll right now that has them tied for third in the Central and looking to gain ground on the Blue Jackets with a victory. Both teams having been building momentum as of late and with Chicago starting to round into form (and Hossa on the horizon) these points are crucial. With Pekka Rinne and Steve Mason also playing up to the level of their breakout seasons last year, expect a great goal tending duel as well.