Why the Changes?

I have no problem with Ken Hitchcock changing the lines up following a disappointing loss in Chicago on Wednesday. What does bother me, however, is trying to fix what isn't broken.

Michael Peca was removed from the top line of Rick Nash and Nikolai Zherdev following the 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks. Why? I don't know. That line, with the exception of the "speed line" was the only unit to produce with any consistency. The two centers that are having trouble finding a home are Jiri Novotny and Sergei Fedorov.

Hitchcock plead after the game in Chicago that despite a lack of production recently, the line of Brule-Fedorov-Vyborny was beginning to show signs of life. Apparently, the patience he exerted then didn't last long. Vyborny, who has struggled mightily in the early stages of the season, was removed from Fedorov's line and placed on the right side of Peca and Jason Chimera.

Again, why the change? The problem isn't the chemistry. The problem with this team is commitment. When they don't commit to play the way they've been taught to play, they lose. And more often than not, it's an ugly loss. See: 10/17 in Denver, 11/7 in Chicago, 11/9 in Detroit.

Placing Jiri Novotny between Nash and Zherdev proved to be disastrous. The trio looked to be skating in quicksand for the entire game in Detroit, and Novotny was handled every time he had the puck. The top line played like the fourth line, and the best line for the duration of the night was unfortunately the power play unit. Although they were 1-for-7, they found a way to score a goal.

No time for a letdown, however. The Jackets travel to Nashville to face the Predators Saturday night. Nashville has really picked up their game of late, winning 3 of 4 and earning a tough point in Joe Louis Arena. They're back to .500, and considering the way they began the year, it's rather impressive. The Preds are back, and behind the added emotion of the new deal to keep them in Nashville, are on some kind of high right now. The Blue Jackets better be ready to play their brand of hockey. If not, they'll be left searching for answers yet again.

Jared Boll for first-line center, anyone? Just kidding, but it's a pipe dream.