It's just a coincidence, but Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock is giving Leclaire a night off on his 25th birthday. Hitchcock will start Norrena on Wednesday in Chicago and play Leclaire on Friday in Detroit.
Norrena (1-1-2) picked up a 7-4 win over the Blackhawks on Oct. 23.
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A real plus
Only three Blue Jackets -- Vyborny, Sergei Fedorov and Duvie Westcott -- have minus ratings through 13 games. What pleases Hitchcock even more is that his "shutdown" defenders such as Jan Hejda (plus-6) and Adam Foote (plus-4) are among his leaders.
"When those guys are even or plus, you know you're on to something good," the coach said.
Slap shots
Defenseman Duvie Westcott (concussion) said he is healthy enough to play and is waiting for a chance to get in the lineup. ? The Blackhawks, losers of three straight at home, stayed at a Chicago hotel last night to simulate a road-game environment.
Norrena (1-1-2) picked up a 7-4 win over the Blackhawks on Oct. 23.
==============
A real plus
Only three Blue Jackets -- Vyborny, Sergei Fedorov and Duvie Westcott -- have minus ratings through 13 games. What pleases Hitchcock even more is that his "shutdown" defenders such as Jan Hejda (plus-6) and Adam Foote (plus-4) are among his leaders.
"When those guys are even or plus, you know you're on to something good," the coach said.
Slap shots
Defenseman Duvie Westcott (concussion) said he is healthy enough to play and is waiting for a chance to get in the lineup. ? The Blackhawks, losers of three straight at home, stayed at a Chicago hotel last night to simulate a road-game environment.
