There are many days when Fredrik Modin feels every one of his 34 years in his aching bones and joints. But in the Jackets' home opener, Modin's mentorship and veteran presence were more noticeable than his age.

Modin assisted on Filatov's first NHL goal and set up a second goal with a strong individual effort in a 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators in Nationwide Arena.

"That's the Freddy Modin, the guy that we all knew from two years ago," Hitchcock said. "He's feeling good physically, his timing is coming back and he's starting to protect the puck. The tempo of his game is picking up, and that's good to see."

Modin played just 23 games last season because of injuries, especially to his back. He was relatively quiet in the first three games while playing on a checking line with Andrew Murray and Jiri Novotny.

Serving as Filatov's wingman in his NHL debut, Modin showed plenty of jump. Filatov was appreciative of Modin, as the two could be seen talking on the ice throughout the game.

"He's like a sponge out there," Modin said. "He picks up everything you tell him. He's a very smart player who is so talented."

Modin's first-period wrap-around attempt slid off his stick and right onto the blade of Filatov, who made it 2-0 with 14:18 remaining. His best play, however, was a power move coming off the half wall midway through the third period as he skated between the circles. Modin eluded a defender, got the puck to the net and Jason Chimera put in the rebound for a power-play goal that made it 5-3.

"I feel it was my best game so far and the team played phenomenal," Modin said. "But we got to do it again (tonight)."

Backman hurt

Defenseman Christian Backman suffered what the club is terming a lower body injury after being checked in the boards during the third period. Backman will not play tonight at Nashville, but Hitchcock does not expect the defenseman to miss significant time.

Hitchcock said defensemen Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Marc Methot might play, which means the Jackets would have 11 forwards and seven defensemen available.

Peca gets five games

Center Michael Peca was suspended for five games by the NHL yesterday for "physically demeaning" conduct toward an official in the season opener Oct. 10. Peca, who missed his third straight game last night, is eligible to return Friday against the New York Rangers.

Peca's decision to appeal -- he attended a hearing Thursday in New York -- proved to be a wise one. The suspension was reduced from a minimum of 10 games to a minimum of three.

He forfeits $35,349.46 of his salary.

Slap shots

The Jackets will recall goaltender Dan LaCosta from minor-league Syracuse to back up Fredrik Norrena after Pascal Leclaire suffered a thumb injury. Center Manny Malhotra (lower-body injury) skated again but will not play tonight.

treed@dispatch.com