I Like It, I love It…

Columbus Blue Jackets Marc Methot checks Nashville Predators Michael Santorelli

Rick Gethin

The Hockey Writers

Going into tonight’s game in Nashville, the Columbus Blue Jackets hope to use the Predators goal song to their own devices. With Nashville losing to Chicago last night 3-1, the Blue Jackets know this will be a big game for both teams. Columbus can break a 10 game (0-9-1) losing streak at the Sommet Center with a win. Coach Ken Hitchcock addressed their less than stellar road play in Nashville. “It matters a lot because we haven’t had much success so I think we have to change our tactics a little bit. So, we’ll have a couple of new wrinkles and see if we can make a change there.”, he said.

They can also eliminate the Edmonton Oilers as well as the Predators from passing them in the standings. For Columbus to clinch their first-ever playoff spot they need to win tonight and again tomorrow at home versus Chicago, or a loss by Minnesota @ Detroit or an OTL by both Columbus and Minnesota. Are you confused yet? Not the Blue Jackets. They’re only looking as far ahead as tonight’s game.

The attitude pervading the Blue Jackets locker room is upbeat but focused. The players know what’s on the line with every game they play, yet they are having fun at the same time. They have to come out fast, hard and tough against an angry, desperate Nashville team.  Columbus defenseman Marc Methot talked to me about being focused on the game at hand. “Honestly, I think at this point we’re really just looking at it game to game. I know it sounds clichéd, but I think it doesn’t really matter who we’re playing. I think these points are the most important. Clearly we’re aware of our opponent and that will make the game that much more exciting.”, he said.

Last Tuesday in Columbus, Nashville’s agitator Jordin Tootoo was a non-factor. “He’s a guy that brings a lot of energy to their team and you have to respect that. Love him or hate him, he’s good for their team. I think we just have to keep it clean. If he’s running around that’s fine, we just have to keep our heads up. Anticipate his play, because that’s how he comes out, especially at home in front of his own fans. We’re aware of that.”, said Methot. The Blue Jackets have learned not to take the bait that Tootoo offers up on a regular basis, goading players into taking bad penalties. Columbus forward Jared Boll echoed Methots’ musings on the Predators #22. “He makes his presence felt on the ice when he plays physical. Maybe last game he wasn’t as active as he has been in the past, but going into every game you can expect that from him.”, said Boll.

Expect Nashville to be out for blood when they take the ice tonight. The Blue Jackets have to be physical in their play from the drop of the puck. The intensity level is being ratcheted up. Marc Methot spoke about his physical play leading into the playoffs. “Oh yeah. I think the physical play, especially preparing for the playoffs is something that I take a lot of pride in. I think a lot of the other guys do as well. Now that the regular season is winding down it’s kind of a way to get yourself “amped up” for it and really get involved out there. Physical play obviously just comes with the importance of every game. I think it kind of happens where other players hold onto the puck that much longer. I get more opportunities to, you know, run guys over. And that makes it a little bit more fun for me.”, he said.

This game should have all of the intensity of a game 7 in any playoff series. Nashville is playing for their playoff lives. Columbus wants to solidify their first playoff appearance and keep the “Believe Train” rolling. In the words of Tim McGraw, “I like it, I love, I want some more of it“.

Carry The Flag.

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