Oh, Nikita

  Puck-rackers blog, Oct. 6, 2008:

The Jackets’ first-round draft pick sparkled Sunday night in the Air Canada Centre, scoring the game’s first goal and potting the shootout winner in an improbable 5-4 victory over the Leafs. He showcased a vast skill set -- speed, vision, smarts and a wicked shooting release.

He was named first star in just his second exhibition game. A week ago, as Filatov was returning to practice from a hairline fracture in his leg, it was assumed he would eventually be heading to Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey League.

Filatov and Varlamov were the only ones who could really make their team's rosters. Varlamov is gone, but Filatov still has a chance.

Filatov has an excellent English and can speak to French Canadians in French. He came back from a fracture and was named a first star. I wish Semin would be like that, I was really hoping Semin would show up in pre-season, not a chance...

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