Lowly Columbus Blue Jackets travel to play against Detroit Red Wings – NHL Preview
After snapping a six-game losing streak, Detroit Red Wings are hoping to build on a momentum that could be carried into the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs and a game against the already eliminated Columbus Blue Jackets might just be what the Red Wings
need at the moment.
The Blue Jackets cannot reach the playoffs, and Red Wings are looking to capitalise on the opportunity of facing the side that is low on morale.
Furthermore, the Red Wings have to find their rhythm back as soon as possible as the postseason is round the corner and they will face many competitive teams in the second round of the season.
The matchup between Red Wings and Blue Jackets will take place on Monday, March 26, 2012, at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan.
Here is a look at both teams.
Red Wings
Out of the 11 games they have played this month, Red Wings have lost eight. In their last game, they defeated Carolina Hurricanes to get rid of a six-game skid.
Hurricanes had a lead in the first period and they scored another early in the second. However, Red Wings displayed a commendable comeback and scored three goals in the period while giving away two more.
In the final period, Red Wings were still one goal behind, but they scored twice without giving away any goal to win the game.
Red Wings’ defenseman, Nicklas Lidstrom, said after the game:
"We showed a lot more desperation. We showed a lot of character in the second period. We could've gone the other way, but we showed some desperation, and that's what you have to have this time of year."
Red Wings are ranked at fifth spot in the Western Conference with 95 points after 75 games.
Blue Jackets
The lowly Blue Jackets are placed at the bottom of the Western Conference with 55 points after 75 games and are already eliminated from the playoff contention.
Out of the last four games, Blue Jackets have lost two with the recent defeat coming against the Edmonton Oilers, who are also eliminated from the playoff contention.
Against Oilers, Blue Jackets had a one goal lead after the end of the first period. However, they gave away five goals in the second while scoring only one. In the final period, both teams scored apiece as the final score settled at 6-3.
Predictions
Red Wings have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Blue Jackets win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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