DETROIT -- Blue Jackets center Antoine Vermette is putting up big numbers through two Stanley Cup playoff games.

But they are not in a column that's helping the Jackets compete against the Detroit Red Wings. Vermette has 10 penalty minutes in the series.

In a 4-0 loss last night, Vermette got beat on a first-period faceoff that led to a power-play goal and was in the penalty box for interference when the Red Wings scored their second goal.

"You've got to stick with it. You don't want to get too down on yourself," Vermette said. "Thing can turn around quickly in a series and if we can sneak one in (a goal), maybe they will come in bunches."

Vermette, a trade-deadline acquisition who played an integral role in getting the Jackets to the playoffs, has struggled in his head-to-head matchup against the Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk.

Datsyuk is one of the game's elite two-way centers and his line has made things miserable for Vermette and his mates.

Vermette's frustration boiled over with 8:39 remaining and the Wings leading by four goals. He took issue with Datsyuk trying to dig a puck loose from goaltender Steve Mason and hammered him to the ice. The two sparred and a scrum ensued.

"It's part of the playoffs," Vermette said. "We're facing the same guys every night and sometimes you want to do something to provoke them."

Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock said Friday that Vermette would need time to adjust to Datsyuk's game.

Datsyuk beat Vermette on the faceoff that resulted in Brian Rafalski's power-play goal at 13:33 of the first period.

"He plays both ways and he's good on faceoffs," Vermette said. "You have to compete against him."

Vermette had a good opportunity to score on a point-blank rebound, but it was stopped by Chris Osgood late in the second period. The Jackets were trailing 3-0 at the time.

Although Vermette is known for his versatility, the Jackets need the offense he can provide. He has just one goal and three assists in the past nine games, and his rebound attempt has been his only shot for the series.

"It's a frustrating feeing right now," he said. "But we can't carry that attitude with us."

treed@disptach.com