February 1

Big game… another big game… one that everyone had on the map as a huge contest turned out to be another tough loss in Nashville, the 16th lifetime in the Sommet Center.

The core of the CBJ has taken a hit, with Foote coming back from the flu, Fedorov still out with concussion like symptoms, and Modin with a hamstring pull.

Gilbert Brule made his debut after a 12 game hiatus in Syracuse and showed some energy and physical play with 10 minutes of ice, a couple of shots and a hit. When called upon the Triple B line did a nice job of cycling in the offensive zone… next step, drive to the net.

Jared Boll was matched in combat late in the third against Darcy Hordichuk. Both exchanged blows and the kid did a nice job and the giving end. In talking with Darcy this morning, it was clear his intentions were to go after Boller. He was not scheduled to play tonight and talked Barry Trotz into dressing… by the way; he respected Jody Shelley immensely, as Jody gave him his first pro fight back in 2001-02.

Give credit to JP Dumont with two assists tonight. He extended his season point streak to 16 games, third only to Crosby's 19 and Zetterburg's 17 games earlier in the year… it will be reported shortly that he will sign a 4-year deal for $4 million a year. The Predators are now on solid ground with David Freeman as the managing owner and David Poile can again work his managerial magic in signing the cast of others… and he has a group to attend to in the unrestricted and restricted variety.

Radulov and Zherdev have a great relationship and a competitive one at that. With Radulov scoring in the first shift of the hockey game, Zherdev matched it :34 seconds into the second period. Radulov has now scored six goals in the past five games and Nick has 6-6 in the last 10 games.

Rick Nash did not register a shot on goal tonight. He now has 0 points in the past 9 games against the Predators, but had 8-7 in the previous 16 games. Kudos goes out to Barry Trotz for stabilizing the defense when Rick is on the ice.

The CBJ were 1-3 on the PP, but the Preds were 1-7… all in the first two periods. The moral of the story is if you are killing that many penalties, you do not have the puck. We now have a total of 32 minors in the 6 games played… Far too many to make a difference on the scoreboard for the CBJ, especially if you want to play 5-on-5 hockey.

Next up?... the Wild from Minnesota, who scored a big 5-1 win over the defending Stanley Cup champ Ducks… four goals in the second period chased Giguere from the net.

Stay tuned, as there will be a couple of goaltenders wanting a little revenge against the rubber on Saturday.

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings". The Columbus Blue Jackets broadcasters will try to keep you update on all the behind the scenes action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets hit the road. The next road game is 2/7 @Phoenix.