"Nikita Filatov's exile to the Blue Jackets' fourth line lasted five games. The left winger arrived at Nationwide Arena yesterday to learn that he's back in good graces with coach Scott Arniel and back among the club's top two lines.

Filatov will open on the No. 2 line with center Antoine Vermette and right winger R.J. Umberger tonight when the Blue Jackets play the Montreal Canadiens in Nationwide. He's also back on the power play, likely joining the second unit.

"It feels really good," Filatov said. "I think the way back was way faster than I expected.

"I have to play my game, show what the coach expects from me. Obviously I have to finally score a goal, and play good to help other guys score, too."

Arniel said he was pleased with the way Filatov handled the demotion. He didn't pout. He didn't call Russia looking for an out. His play didn't regress further.

"I thought he's played a little harder," Arniel said. "We're going to give him an opportunity with Vermette and Umberger, two guys who are pretty much straight-line players.

"Having Nikita there will hopefully help them offensively."

Vermette has just one goal and three assists in 10 games this season. He's gone without a point in his past three games and didn't take a shot in Saturday's 5-1 loss in Colorado."