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Jackets falter to Predators in preseason finale
By Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired, Photos by Tom Theodore
The final tune-up for the Columbus Blue Jackets before the start of
the regular season did not go as smoothly as the previous four
preseason games.
With nearly a veteran line-up on the ice, the Jackets gave up two
power play goals and did very little else in a 4-2 loss to the
Nashville Predators in front of 13,761 in Nationwide Arena.
“We didn’t score on our chances and they did,” Jackets coach Ken
Hitchcock said. “Today (our) chemistry was really in and out. We had
some great things today and then there was some poor play.”
Nikita Filatov scored his second goal of the season and Rick Nash
added his third as the Jackets (4-3-1) outshot the Predators 38-23.
Columbus looked impressive with the man-advantage, but only
converted on one-of-six opportunities. Steve Mason gave up four
goals on 23 shots.
Former Miami standout and Hobey Baker finalist Ryan Jones scored two
goals to lead the Predators (4-2). Patric Hornqvist and Francois
Bouillon added goals, while Dan Ellis had 36 saves.
“I thought we came out quick,” Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. “We
got a quick goal and I thought we got a little bit lucky. Dan Ellis
was really sharp for us. We responded with timely goals right after
they scored.”
Jones beat Mason with a backhand to give the Predators an early lead
despite the Jackets dominance in the first period. Filatov knotted
the game at one with a from-the-knees slap shot from the right
point.
The Predators regained the lead on the power play early in the
second period with a goal by Hornqvist. Nash responded with a slap
shot on the power play to tie the game at two.
Less than a minute later, Bouillon scored to give the lead back to
Nashville. The Predators scored again with the man-advantage early
in the third to go up 4-2 on Jones second of the night.
Now the attention turns to the regular season, which begins Saturday
with Minnesota visiting Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. The team must
finalize its roster by Wednesday, however general manager Scott
Howson said cuts would be made before then.
“I’m confident, but not ready,” Hitchcock said of the start of the
season. “Our veteran players have to pick up their pace. They’ve
played better in practice than in games. This is the most depth
organizationally we’ve ever had and we’re going to need it. We have
a lot of levels we’re capable of.”
dave.seaman@columbuswired.tv
Twitter: @daveseaman94
