By the time the Blue Jackets landed back in Columbus late Saturday, the thrill of an 8-2 win over Detroit in Joe Louis Arena was already gone.

It's that time of year.

"About one hour after the final horn blows, away you go, on to the next opponent," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "You review it, and you move on. But you can't dwell on anything."

Case in point: Hitchcock was in his office most of the day yesterday, watching videotape in the morning and Boston play the New York Rangers on TV in the afternoon.

The Blue Jackets play host to the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins on Tuesday in Nationwide Arena.

Hitchcock gave the players a much-needed day off yesterday. As of Saturday, the Blue Jackets had played 12 games in 23 days.

That's part of what made Saturday's rout so shocking. It was the most goals the Jackets have ever scored in a game, and the largest margin of victory in franchise history.

Left winger Rick Nash had his fourth career hat trick, scoring three unassisted goals.

Andrew Murray, Raffi Torres, Jason Williams and R.J. Umberger (twice) also scored for the Blue Jackets.

"Everything this time of year is about building momentum," Hitchcock said. "If we can do that off that win, that'll be the most important part of what took place on Saturday in Detroit.

"You can't rely on yesterday's energy, though, I know that. The one thing you can rely on is the momentum from the feeling, of feeling good and playing well. But scoring one game doesn't mean you score again."

Peca set to return

Forward Michael Peca, who has missed the past three games because of a concussion, is expected to join the Blue Jackets in practice today. He passed a neurological test yesterday.

If all goes well today, Peca could return Tuesday.

The veteran center, a two-time Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's top defensive forward, was injured on March 1 in Vancouver when a puck struck his jaw.

Have cannon, will travel

A large contingent of Blue Jackets fans made their presence known Saturday in Joe Louis Arena.

When Nash scored his third goal, more than a few hats were tossed onto the ice. One fan waved a large Blue Jackets flag as he was tossed from the building near the end of the game.

"I could hear the cheering at the end of the game," Hitchcock said. "There were a few of our people there, eh?

"What can you say? It's a pretty exciting time right now."

Slap shots

Defenseman Mike Commodore was struck on the hip by a slap shot in the third period on Saturday. He's not injured, Hitchcock said. The Blue Jackets will practice at 10:30 a.m. today.

aportzline@dispatch.com