Blue Jackets defenseman Mike Commodore was pleasantly surprised by the results of his blood
tests Friday -- not just clean, but "pristine."
"Not kidding, that's the word they used," Commodore said. "Clean livin', I guess."
Commodore was still waiting to get results of the vitamin levels in his blood, but there were no
illnesses or viruses detected, increasing the likelihood that his fatigue is due only to
conditioning.
He was a healthy scratch Friday against Anaheim and is no guarantee to play Monday against the
Edmonton Oilers in Nationwide Arena.
"The good thing, I guess, is that we know it's about conditioning," Commodore said. "I missed
most of training camp (flu, groin), and it's been one thing after another ever since. I've said it
to you before, but I've been playing my way back into game shape three or four times now in the
first month or so of the season, and that's tough.
"This isn't great, but it's better than having an illness."
Dorsett OK
Right winger Derek Dorsett was struck in the left hand with a puck during the second period
Friday and did not return.
"It's still sore, but it's playable," Dorsett said. "There's just a little lump there."
Slap shots
The third- and fourth-line centers were swapped in practice, with Derek MacKenzie joining
wingers Jason Chimera and Dorsett on the third line and Mike Blunden dropping to the fourth line
with left winger Nikita Filatov and Jared Boll. The Blue Jackets will have their annual Hockeyfest
from noon to 6 p.m. today in Nationwide Arena. The event offers games, prizes and interaction with
Blue Jackets players and their families. Tickets are $20 at door, with proceeds going to the Blue
Jackets' Foundation.
aportzline@dispatch.com
