Can Filatov Step Up And Earn More Minutes?

Nikita Filatov was on the ice more than any other time so far this season against the Kings. He was only on the ice for 9 minutes and it was in a 6-2 loss, but coach Ken Hitchcock said that he liked what he saw from the Russian phenom. He hasn’t played much so far this season and he was even a healthy scratch for a few games. Can he step up and earn more minutes on the Blue Jackets?

He is expected to be in the 2nd line tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes. The injury to Andrew Murray could lead to more ice time, since they needs offense, especially on the road. They have given up at least four goals in each of their last 4 road games. They are at home tonight and they are two different teams when they in Nationwide Arena compared to the team that goes on the road.

Filatov looked great last year in limited games. He played most of the season in Syracuse, their AHL affiliate. He was very vocal this off-season about getting more ice time, he even publicly acknowledged a possible move to play professionally in Russia. I thought he was successful in strong-arming the Blue Jackets, but from the early games this season, it doesn’t appear to be the case.

There is no doubt that Filatov is an amazing goal-scorer, but Hitchcock sees something in him that he’s not comfortable putting on the ice for 20 minutes a game. Either they don’t want to make the mistake by throwing him out there when he’s not ready or they want him to earn his stripes. It’s a hard feeling for Columbus fans, since they are not used to waiting on their young stars to see ice time. Rick Nash was instantly thrusted into playing and Steve Mason had success his rookie year. Filatov is still considered a rookie, since he didn’t get in enough games to qualify last year. He did look great last year, he scored a hat trick in one of his first NHL games.

It’s not to put up or shut up for Filatov. He spent the off-season training hard and talking to the press. If he believes that he needs to be on the ice more, go out there and prove it. I predict a goal for him tonight against Phoenix with Jason LaBarbera in the net. Let’s hope the Russian phenom can prove me right and score a goal on dollar dog night at Nationwide Arena tonight.