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Blue Jackets rally to top Predators

Sep 27, 2008 - 1:55 AM COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- R.J. Umberger and Kristian Huselius made excellent first impressions with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Umberger and Huselius each scored in their debut with the team and Jakub Voracek added a goal and an assist as the Blue Jackets skated to a 4-3 preseason victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday.

Acquired in an offseason trade from Philadelphia, Umberger forged a 1-1 tie midway through the first period. Huselius, who signed a four-year, $19 million contract as a free agent during the summer, gave the Blue Jackets a 4-2 lead with 3:28 remaining in the third.

With Columbus trailing, 2-1, Voracek scored a power-play goal on a wraparound at 4:40 of the second session. Just 39 seconds later, Andrew Murray deflected a shot while stationed at the top of the crease to give the Blue Jackets a 3-2 lead.

After Huselius doubled the advantage, Geoff Peters tallied with 88 seconds left in the third, drawing Nashville within a goal.

Captain Rick Nash recorded an assist in his preseason debut and defenseman Kris Russell set up a pair of tallies for Columbus.

Martin Erat and blue-liner Shea Weber added goals and defenseman Ryan Suter notched two assists for the Predators.

Pascal Leclaire made 18 saves for the Blue Jackets. Dan Ellis allowed three goals on 21 shots over two periods for Nashville before being replaced by Drew MacIntyre, who turned aside three of the four shots he faced in the third.