Center Derick Brassard is getting close to returning. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, are getting close to elimination.

The Jackets' brain trust must decide whether to risk playing a talented rookie when they are down 3-0 in a best-of-seven series after the Detroit Red Wings' 4-1 win last night in Nationwide Arena. It's believed Brassard's chances of playing are almost nil.

General manager Scott Howson said that Brassard, who hasn't played since suffering a dislocated right shoulder Dec. 19, has been cleared by doctors to participate in full-contact drills. Howson stressed, however, that Brassard must receive final clearance to play.

Given the lopsided nature of the series, the risk would seem to outweigh the rewards. Howson would not speculate on whether Brassard could play Thursday. Rookie Nikita Filatov might have a better chance for ice time.

Hejda hurt

Defenseman Jan Hejda did not play in the third period after getting hit on the right ankle by a first-period shot.

Hejda said the ankle was not broken, but the training staff decided to keep him out anyway. Hejda was unsuccessful at finding appropriate padding that could be quickly wedged into his skate, he said.

Mr. Energy

Rookie Derek Dorsett is emerging as one of the few Blue Jackets forwards making an impact in the series. Inserted in Game 2, Dorsett, R.J. Umberger and rookie Jake Voracek have been among the most effective players. Dorsett had four hits and a team-high four shots last night.

"He and (Raffi) Torres were excellent," coach Ken Hitchcock said. "You are trying to win and evaluate for the future, and he's a guy who has really stood out."

The commish

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stood in a Nationwide Arena conference room and smiled broadly as he gazed at the ceiling and spread his arms.

"I can remember when this was still a prison," Bettman said.

A decade later, the former site of the Ohio Penitentiary is home to playoff hockey.

Bettman was among the 19,219 fans in attendance. Despite seven losing seasons, Bettman said he never doubted Columbus would be a viable hockey market because of a promise made by late owner John. H. McConnell.

"The article of faith, if you will, came when John McConnell said to me on our expansion visit, especially when there were concerns after the referendum failed, 'Don't worry, we are going to get this done for Columbus,' " Bettman said. "He was a man of his word, a man who knew how to get things done."

Bettman was asked about the franchise's claim that it would lose money for a sixth straight season regardless of how deep it went into the playoffs. He didn't address the Jackets' financial situation specifically, but said teams in like markets must have strong attendance, sponsorship and local corporate support.

"The system we have, which includes a healthy dose of revenue sharing, can only do so much," Bettman said. "Franchises need strong local support."

Right mix

Hitchcock said before the game that the Blue Jackets played with emotion but not enough focus in the first two games. He said the Jackets' desire to throw big hits and also overpursuing the puck have left them out of position and susceptible to penalties.

"Some are playing with extended emotion and not enough intensity, and intensity to me is a combination of emotion and focus," Hitchcock said. "Sometimes our emotions have gotten the best of us when we are trying to keep up to the level of play, which has been pretty high. We have run out of position and forced others to take penalties."

Slap shots

The NHL will announce its Calder Trophy finalists today. Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason is expected to be up for the Rookie of the Year award. Blue Jackets forward Kristian Huselius has no goals in his past 20 playoff games.

treed@dispatch.com