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Hitchcock's First Weekend

Coach Hitchcock ends his first weekend 1-1 after losing 3-2 in his return to Philadelphia then winning 5-3 against a game Minnesota team.

The win against the Wild begins what the team braintrust needs to focus on: playing tough against good teams and winning at home. Energizing the fan base is critical given the lackluster play at home this season. Federov played his best game as a Blue Jacket: scoring two goals and assisting on another two. Generating production from teh team's big guns, Nash, Federov, Vyborny and Zherdev, is a key to success.

Rebounds: Interestingly Shelley played almost ten minutes. We'll see if the coaching change alters Jody's fortunes. Federov had 10 shots on goal. columbus outshot Minnesota 33-22and went +7 on faceoffs.