It wasn't full speed ahead the morning after clinching their first playoff appearance, but the Blue Jackets got back to work yesterday.
They had an optional practice and a team meeting that spelled out objectives for the last two regular-season games. The Blue Jackets, who are in sixth place in the Western Conference, play tonight at St. Louis and at home Saturday against Minnesota.
"The goal is not sixth place," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "The goal is momentum. We're interested in getting better."
Hitchcock was not pleased with the Jackets' start against the Chicago Blackhawks in a 4-3 shootout win Wednesday. They trailed 2-0 after the first period.
He thought the team played tight, perhaps feeling the weight of trying -- finally -- to qualify for the playoffs. He saw it particularly in veterans such as Jason Chimera and Manny Malhotra. Both players loosened up as the game unfolded, Hitchcock said.
"It was the first time it looked like we were dealing with the stress," he said. "We weren't playing our game. We weren't playing physical."
Huselius on hold
Left winger Kristian Huselius, who was staggered after banging his chin on the ice last weekend in Nashville, is feeling better. But he told the coaching staff that he wants to skate a few more days before he plays in a game. He is questionable for Saturday's game.
Modin skates
Left winger Fredrik Modin skated for 45 minutes in Columbus, the first time he's taken the ice since re-injuring a sprained left knee March 5 at Nashville.
On Feb. 14, he hyperextended his left knee when he hit a goal post. He tried to return March 5 but lasted only 53 seconds before hurting the knee again.
Well-timed fight
At 4:21 of the second period Wednesday, winger Jared Boll enticed the Blackhawks' Ben Eager into a fight after Eager flattened the Jackets' Kris Russell with a hit.
The Blue Jackets trailed 2-0 at the time.
Only 1:13 later, Jackets center Antoine Vermette scored to make it 2-1. And 2:23 after that, right winger Jason Williams tied it.
Did Boll change the course of the game?
"A little bit," Boll said. "They were taking it to us pretty good for a while there. When a guy takes a run at Russ like that, it's a perfect time to do it.
"This time of year, there aren't too many fights. But if the timing is right, it can be a real good thing."
Slap shots
The past six Blue Jackets penalty shots have been taken by left winger Rick Nash, including an unsuccessful attempt at 8:57 of the first period. Nash is 1 of 7 in his career on penalty shots. Defenseman Russell, who appeared to suffer a wrist injury at the end of Wednesday's game, took part in yesterday's optional practice and will play tonight.
They had an optional practice and a team meeting that spelled out objectives for the last two regular-season games. The Blue Jackets, who are in sixth place in the Western Conference, play tonight at St. Louis and at home Saturday against Minnesota.
"The goal is not sixth place," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "The goal is momentum. We're interested in getting better."
Hitchcock was not pleased with the Jackets' start against the Chicago Blackhawks in a 4-3 shootout win Wednesday. They trailed 2-0 after the first period.
He thought the team played tight, perhaps feeling the weight of trying -- finally -- to qualify for the playoffs. He saw it particularly in veterans such as Jason Chimera and Manny Malhotra. Both players loosened up as the game unfolded, Hitchcock said.
"It was the first time it looked like we were dealing with the stress," he said. "We weren't playing our game. We weren't playing physical."
Huselius on hold
Left winger Kristian Huselius, who was staggered after banging his chin on the ice last weekend in Nashville, is feeling better. But he told the coaching staff that he wants to skate a few more days before he plays in a game. He is questionable for Saturday's game.
Modin skates
Left winger Fredrik Modin skated for 45 minutes in Columbus, the first time he's taken the ice since re-injuring a sprained left knee March 5 at Nashville.
On Feb. 14, he hyperextended his left knee when he hit a goal post. He tried to return March 5 but lasted only 53 seconds before hurting the knee again.
Well-timed fight
At 4:21 of the second period Wednesday, winger Jared Boll enticed the Blackhawks' Ben Eager into a fight after Eager flattened the Jackets' Kris Russell with a hit.
The Blue Jackets trailed 2-0 at the time.
Only 1:13 later, Jackets center Antoine Vermette scored to make it 2-1. And 2:23 after that, right winger Jason Williams tied it.
Did Boll change the course of the game?
"A little bit," Boll said. "They were taking it to us pretty good for a while there. When a guy takes a run at Russ like that, it's a perfect time to do it.
"This time of year, there aren't too many fights. But if the timing is right, it can be a real good thing."
Slap shots
The past six Blue Jackets penalty shots have been taken by left winger Rick Nash, including an unsuccessful attempt at 8:57 of the first period. Nash is 1 of 7 in his career on penalty shots. Defenseman Russell, who appeared to suffer a wrist injury at the end of Wednesday's game, took part in yesterday's optional practice and will play tonight.
