Rinne Ruins Jackets

Predators 3, Blue Jackets 0

The Blue Jackets had not forgotten Pekka Rinne, after his performance between the pipes spoiled their home opener earlier this season. Following another impressive showing, its doubtful they ever will.

            Rinne made 38 saves as Nashville shutout Columbus, 3-0, inside Nationwide Arena.

Offensively, the Predators did the brunt of the damage over a span of three minutes. Around the midway point of the second period, Martin Erat tallied the game’s first goal. Shortly after, Mike Fisher scored on the power play to make it 2-0.

Despite a strong final push, Nashville’s exploitation of the Blue Jackets brief letdown ultimately made the difference. For two minutes, the hockey game turned into a track meet. Or rather, instead of controlled possession and tactful breakouts, the game turned into a battle of transitions.

In the eyes of coach Todd Richards, the momentary lapse of concentration did not overshadow Columbus’ play. He attributed the Blue Jackets’ loss to simply breaking before their opponents did.

The Blue Jackets tried desperately to cut the two-goal deficit, but could not crack Rinne, who made 18 saves in the final period.

Columbus returns to the ice Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.