Just a quick blog in advance of this evening's contest with the Vancouver Canucks. The Jackets losing streak was extended to four as the Washington Capitals down Columbus yesterday in the nation's capitol, 4 - 1. Once again the lack of goal scoring was the primary reason for the loss.

During their recent streak, the Jackets have mustered just six goals total, an average of just 1.5 per game, and have been limited to one tally in three of their four losses. No team is going to win much when your offense is averaging only 1.5 goals per game.

The Jackets are getting plenty of chances, averaging almost 34 shots on goal per game but their lack of finish continues to hinder their progress. Last night the Jackets essentially matched the Capitals in shot attempts, 67 to 65 in favor of Washington. But that means little when the team fails to put the puck in the net.

Artem Anisimov tallied for the Jackets, his second of the season but the Jackets need more from a whole host of players. No Blue Jacket has more than two markers on the season while Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Johansen and Mark Letestu, all averaging 16 minutes or more of ice time and counted on for some offense have just one goal a piece. RJ Umberger, a five-time 20-goal scorer, has not tallied yet this season and has just two assists this season through seven games. The Jackets need more if they are going to compete for a playoff spot this year.

The Jackets return home this evening to entertain the Canucks. Both clubs played and lost yesterday and traveled to Columbus for tonight's contest meaning both teams will have to battle the fatigue that comes from back-to-back games.

Curtis McElhinney gets his first start of the season and will be opposed by Vancouver's understudy, Eddie Lack.

Nick Foligno and Dalton Prout both return to the lineup replacing Jack Skille and Nikita Nikitin respectively. Skille was called up prior to yesterday's loss with C Sean Collins heading back to Springfield. Skille played 7:33 yesterday and was credited with one shot on net.

Today happens to be Todd Richards 47th birthday and I'm sure his players would love to give him a big win tonight for his birthday.

That's all for now but I'll get another blog up either tonight or tomorrow talking about what I hope is a good win for Columbus.

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