Umberger back up top

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-- The Jackets will return forward R.J. Umberger to the top line between wingers Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius.

Coach Ken Hitchcock informed Umberger of the decision Sunday afternoon on the flight to Long Island in preparation for Monday's game with the New York Islanders. Umberger had struggled offensively in the first seven games at center before Hitchcock moved him to wing.

The versatile forward has had a goal and an assist in the past two games after registering just two assists through the first nine games. Umberger played Saturday night on a third line with Michael Peca and Raffi Torres.

Hitchcock said Umberger is "real comfortable" with the decision. He appeared anything except comfortable in the first few weeks, but adjusting to a new team and an old position -- he's a natural center -- might have been a bit overwhelming.

"When you are a Philadelphia Flyer, there is a certain connection," Hitchcock said. "That connection takes a little time to wear off.

"R.J. feels really good about his role on the team right now and he's got his energy way up," Hitchcock said.

The Rick Nash at center experiment looks to be at an end. And Hitchcock was seeing little with Nash coupled alongside either Jiri Novotny or Manny Malhotra as his center.

The coach clearly does not want to expose his best center, rookie Derick Brassard, to the defensive pairings and checking lines he would face by playing with Nash. At least, he's not ready to do it yet.

Brassard leads the team in scoring with four goals and seven assists.

Jason Chimera will return to the second line with Brassard and Jakub Voracek.

The third and fourth lines are in flux because Hitchcock must wait to see if Fredrik Modin (groin) can play Monday night. The other wild card is Jared Boll. Boll is eligible to play after serving his one-game suspension, but the Jackets might be wise to give him a bit more of a rest in recovering from his head and neck injuries.

We'll provide firmer lines after the morning skate.

 

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Line changes

Hitchcock is returning forward R.J. Umberger to the No. 1 center slot after spending four games as a third-line winger. Umberger will skate between Nash and Kristian Huselius tonight against the New York Islanders. Left winger Jason Chimera will be reunited with Derick Brassard and Jake Voracek on the second line.

Umberger struggled to produce offense in his first go-round at center and appeared more comfortable on left wing. He scored his first goal as a Jacket on Saturday night.

Hitchcock said playing for a new team and readjusting to an old position -- he is a natural center -- might have been too much for Umberger to process at once. The coach values his defensive presence, particularly in the Jackets' zone.

"When you are a Philadelphia Flyer there is a certain connection," Hitchcock said. "That connection takes a little time to wear off.

"R.J. feels really good about his role on the team right now and he's got his energy way up."







Killing time

The Jackets met yesterday morning about their faltering penalty kill. They have allowed two goals each in the past two games and have held opposing power plays scoreless just three times this season.

"We're being out-competed on the penalty kill," Umberger said. "As forwards we have to block more shots. Too many shots are getting through."

Hitchcock said the forwards and defensemen share equal responsibility for what he saw as three easy goals in the past two games.


Quotable

Despite Brassard's hot start, he ranks just seventh among Jackets forwards in average ice time at 14 minutes, 6 seconds. It's not surprising for a rookie, especially under Hitchcock, but Brassard hopes to give the coach a reason to increase his playing time.

"It's early in the season and we have to gain his confidence," Brassard said. "I'm sure it will come. One time he is going to have no choice because we play well and play good for the team."





Leclaire update

Goaltender Pascal Leclaire (ankle) did not travel with the team to New York. Leclaire expects to skate this morning in Columbus, but doubts he will be ready for Wednesday's home game against Edmonton at 7:30 p.m.

 

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NO RICK, BUT ISLES FIGHT ON ?




After his team fell apart in the third period of Saturday night's loss, Islanders head coach Scott Gordon said that he hadn't really thought about being without Rick DiPietro for 4-6 weeks following knee surgery on Friday.

The coach's mindset hadn't changes much yesterday, but he did admit what everyone already knows: It's going to hurt.

"Any team that loses its number one goaltender, obviously it's a huge loss," Gordon said of DiPietro's prolonged absence. The goalie has played in just three games this season and will continue to be replaced by Joey MacDonald. "We're no different than the New Jersey Devils losing Marty Brodeur. There are very few teams that have two top guys."

But with his team having lost six in a row and floundering at the bottom of the league, the rookie head coach knows he can't afford to be down as it heads into tonight's game against Columbus at Nassau Coliseum. (7:00; MSG+, WMJC).

"It's a hurdle for us," Gordon said after the team practiced yesterday. "Sometimes, when that happens, it elevates the awareness of the rest of the team: 'If what we need to do is be perfect, that's what we need to do.' And then when you come back from the injuries, you're better."

Perhaps that's what will happen. If it doesn't, things could get ugly on the Island.

In the meantime, Gordon continues to fiddle with his personnel, moving Kyle Okposo to the top line, where he'll play with Bill Guerin and Doug Weight in place of Sean Bergenheim, who moves to the second line.

"I wanted to give him the opportunity to play on an offensive line," Gordon said of the switch of the two young players. "Kyle's gonna be an offensive player in the NHL. His skill level, strength, skating, passing and shooting ability is a good package."

The move is fine with Okposo, who hasn't gotten off to the start the team had hoped for.

"They read well off each other," Okposo said of his new veteran linemates. "You get a feel for how they work together. If you go to the net, they'll hit you."

The rest will be up to him.