Blue Jackets center Derek MacKenzie has never enjoyed a longer stretch in the NHL -- or a more productive one.

Since being recalled from minor-league Syracuse on Nov. 4, MacKenzie has scored a goal, added three assists and pleased coach Ken Hitchcock on an almost daily basis.

It might not be enough, however, to keep him in Columbus.

Barring further injuries, the Jackets will face a decision in the coming days on whether to return MacKenzie, 28, or Mike Blunden, 22, to the minors.

Both players must clear waivers, and Blunden's age and size (6-foot-4, 207 pounds) might make him a more inviting target.

The Jackets are expected to activate Derek Dorsett (concussion) today from injured reserve, putting the Jackets at a full complement of 23 players. If Fredrik Modin (knee) is activated this weekend, the Jackets would have to clear a roster spot.

General manager Scott Howson said no decision has been made. Howson and Hitchcock like both players. Blunden does not have a point in 18 games, but he is a physical presence.

Hitchcock almost hated addressing the matter yesterday.

"Usually, by the time you have to send someone down, you have two injuries and you don't need to do it," Hitchcock said. "They have both played really well for us."

MacKenzie's steady play has been one of the feel-good stories in a season marked by wild inconsistencies.

A veteran of 514 minor-league games, MacKenzie was expected to be here for only a week. It's been more than a month now, and he leads the Jackets in plus-minus rating (plus-4).

"This is the first time that I've come up and felt part of the team," MacKenzie said. "I'm not ready to go down but I certainly would understand if they make that decision."

Practice time

Hitchcock said the Jackets are going to start conducting more off-day practices, even if it means making some game-day morning skates optional. The Jackets are searching for answers mired in a 1-5-3 slump.

"We need to be on the ice," Hitchcock said. "I think it's important for our young players. We also have a lot of big players on this team and I think sometimes they lose their foot speed when they don't get out there."

It's a slight shift in philosophy for Hitchcock. He often favored giving players a day of rest between games or making the practice an optional. Young players can absorb only so much by watching film, Hitchcock said, and coaches can do more teaching and correcting on the ice.

"We aren't playing well and the focus needs to be on us and not always watching film of the other team," center Derick Brassard said.

Mason goes again

Goaltender Steve Mason will make his seventh straight start tonight despite only one win his last eight starts.

"We've got to get him feeling good about himself and there's nothing like playing well and getting wins to make you feel great," Hitchcock said.

The coach did not commit to a goaltender for Thursday's game in Nashville, Tenn.

treed@dispatch.com