Preview: Red Wings vs Blue Jackets 2009

Records

Detroit (2): 51-21-10 (112 pts) Home: 27-9-5 Away: 24-12-5
Columbus (7): 41-31-10 (92 pts) Home: 25-13-3 Away: 16-18-7

Head-to-Head

Nov 28, 2008 – DET 5 CBJ 3
Jan 6, 2009 – DET 3 CBJ 0
Jan 27, 2009 – DET 2 CBJ 3 (OT)
Feb 13, 2009 – DET 2 CBJ 3
Mar 7, 2009 – DET 2 CBJ 8
Mar 15, 2009 – DET 4 CBJ 0
Season series was tied 3-3.

Fights

Nov 28, 2008 – Andreas Lilja vs Jared Boll

Lineup

Goaltending: EDGE Columbus
Scoring: EDGE Detroit
Defense: EDGE Detroit
Coaching: DRAW
Grit: EDGE Columbus

Schedule

Thursday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, TSN)
Saturday, April 18, 6:00 p.m. (TSN)
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. (TSN)
Thursday, April 23, 7:00 p.m. (TSN)
*Saturday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. (VERSUS, TSN)
*Monday, April 27, TBD (TSN)
*Wednesday, April 29, TBD (VERSUS, TSN)

Prediction

The defending champs will face a serious threat in the opening round. Unlike last year, the Wings have looked fairly ordinary at times, especially in net where they’re one of the weakest playoff teams. If Detroit gets shaky goaltending, this is Columbus’ series for the taking. This is a new experience for the Blue Jacket regulars but there’s still enough playoff experience amongst the team. Rick Nash and Steve Mason won’t fold and Columbus takes this one.

John’s Pick

The Blue Jackets making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history is a great story. Unfortunately, that got them a matchup with the Red Wings in the first round. This Detroit team is essentially a mirror image of last year’s squad, minus Dominik Hasek and plus Marian Hossa. Both teams struggled late in the year, and the questions surrounding Detroit’s goaltending situation are cause for some concern, but the Wings are the much better team overall and it should show. I’m calling the only quarterfinal sweep in this one. Wings in 4.

David’s Pick

Columbus has been a good hockey city and it’s great to see the fans there get some hometown playoff hockey. Unfortunately, my thoughts mirror John’s and this just doesn’t bode well for the Blue Jackets. Nash, Kristian Huselius and RJ Umberger will have to score big and Mason will have to steal at least two games for the Wings to fall. I don’t think that’s going to happen. Wings in 5, hopefully the Jackets can win one at home for the Columbus faithful.