COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Yes, with a win Tuesday evening against the visiting Dallas Stars, the Blue Jackets could have the best start to a season in franchise history. But, beyond the two points that a win would bring, it's more important in how they play the game.
They're facing a somewhat desperate Stars team that dropped its first two games and doesn't want a three-game skid on its hands. It's up to the leadership within the Columbus dressing room to keep their teammates focused.
"That message has come through a couple of times," said Todd Richards. "That comes with winning and being a professional. That's where you lean on your older players and your leadership about getting themselves ready, but also getting your teammates ready for the game. Respecting wins when you're winning; there has to be that respect. You can't get too high.
"This game can punch you in the face and knock you down pretty quick."
Although they haven't won, the Stars top line, with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin, can be very dangerous, if given the time and space. Jason Spezza and "Jackets Killer" Ales Hemsky are on the second line, with Hemsky putting up 40 points (14-26-40, +14) in 34 games against Columbus. This could be a test for the youngest team in the NHL.
"I hope not," said Mark Letestu. "We have good professionals in here that have been around for a long time. They realize that every night is important. These two points are just as important as the (season) opener. It's easy to 'get up' for the opener.
"This is not a rivalry game. I think it's on the leadership core in this room to make sure that the young guys know the importance of the game. It's on the leadership to show the way tonight."
This and that
Nick Foligno, after taking a maintenance day Monday, will be in the lineup Tuesday night versus the Stars on the top line with Johansen and Atkinson.
As Todd Richards has said before, so he said again Tuesday morning when asked about defenseman Ryan Murray's return. "He's getting close," he said with a smile. "You'd love to get him in.
"After tonight's game, we have Friday at home then we go for four on the road. You'd love to get him in a home game, but I don't know if that will happen."
Stars Lindy Ruff on Columbus
Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff, when asked if this Columbus team held any surprises for him, had high praise for the Blue Jackets backend.
"I think the first thing that stands out is that they're really hard on the puck," said Ruff. "Their 'compete' level on the puck is really good. They don't go by many plays and they don't bounce off of any plays. They're 'there' and they skate well.
"(Cam) Atkinson is really a dangerous type of player and has played very well. They've got some 'high end' guys, too. But, I think it starts with your backend and goaltender. Their goaltending is very strong and the play of the defensive group in front of them is very good."
Blue Jackets lines
Forwards:
Cam Atkinson/Ryan Johansen/Nick Foligno
Scott Hartnell/Artem Anisimov/Alex Wennberg
Matt Calvert/Mark Letestu/Marko Dano
Jack Skille/Michael Chaput/Jared Boll
Defense:
Jack Johnson/David Savard
Fedor Tyutin/Dalton Prout
James Wisniewski/Tim Erixon
Goalie:
Sergei Bobrovsky, Curtis McElhinney as backup
Stars lines (projected)
Forwards:
Jamies Benn/Tyler Seguin/Colton Sceviour
Patrick Eaves/Jason Spezza/Ales Hemsky
Antoine Roussel/Cody Eakin/Ryan Garbutt
Shawn Horcoff/Vernon Fiddler/Erik Cole
Defense:
Alex Goligoski/Trevor Daley
Jordie Benn/Brenden Dillon
Patrik Nemeth/Kevin Connauton
Goalie:
Kari Lehtonen, Anders Lindback as backup
