Nashville's Shea Weber is one of hockey's most feared shooters. The Blue Jackets' Milan Jurcina might be one of its most bashful.

Weber makes a living launching rockets from the point. Jurcina is more judicious in firing pucks.

Last night, however, Jurcina's blue-line blast set up the Jackets' first goal and reminded everyone what a weapon he possesses. His second-period shot from the right point was deflected into the net by Derick Brassard in the Jackets' 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators in Nationwide Arena.

"It's one of the hardest shots I've seen," Jackets assistant coach Gord Murphy said. "It's got to be over 100 miles an hour. We encourage him to use it every chance he gets."

But the 6-foot-4 defenseman, who often plays in a third pairing, has never taken more than 95 shots in a season. In contrast, Weber recorded 251 shots last season while scoring a career-best 23 goals. Weber added an assist last night.

Jurcina, acquired on Dec. 28 from Washington, does not have a goal this season. His second-period assist, in fact, was his first point as a Jacket.

Jackets goaltender Steve Mason, who steps in front of Jurcina shots every day in practice, would love to see his teammate shoot more.

"It's absolutely scary, that's all I can say about it," Mason said. "Every time it hits you it feels like it's coming a million miles an hour."

Jurcina didn't offer an explanation as to why he doesn't register more shots on goal other than it's difficult to get pucks through a maze of opposing shin pads.

Forward Chris Clark, who joined Jurcina in the Washington trade, said he's lost count of how many sticks he's had broken by his teammate's shot in practice.

Greasy goals

Brassard is best known for his play-making ability, but he scored another goal last night standing in front of the net. The center has shown a willingness to go into high-traffic areas to redirect pucks or search for rebounds.

He was rewarded last night at the 16:10 mark of the second period, deflecting Jurcina's low slap shot for his seventh goal of the season.

"It's a good lesson," Brassard said. "I didn't score a lot of goals like that in juniors, but I'm trying to make a habit of going to the net more often."

Brassard also had several dynamic plays with linemates R.J. Umberger and Jake Voracek. He finished with three shots.

Klesla practices

Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla practiced with his teammates yesterday for the first time in almost two months. Klesla is recovering from groin and abdominal tears he suffered on Nov. 30 against St. Louis.

"It just feels good to get back with the guys," Klesla said. "It's been a long time."

Klesla is participating in some drills, but none involving contact. He still feels pain when pushing off to take his first skating stride, Klesla said.

"Once I get going I'm OK," he said.

Klesla is expected back in action by the second week of February.

Slap shots

The Jackets scratched Mathieu Roy, Marc Methot and Andrew Murray Mason played in his 100th game Jared Boll played his 200th game last night Scouts from Pittsburgh, Washington, Dallas and Colorado attended last night's game.

treed@dispatch.com