It's strange to think that after tonight the Blue Jackets' season is over. The excitement of the upcoming playoffs that was felt last year has been replaced with the more familiar (for CBJ fans) look-ahead to the NHL Entry Draft. 

Tonight's game will be against the Red Wings, completing the 3-in-5 mini series the NHL schedule makers blessed the teams with. Detroit has taken the last two, and Columbus will be looking to make a statement on FANastic FANale night. As part of the final game, FSOhio will be having a viewer appreciation night, here are the details:

COLUMBUS, OHIO - FOX Sports Ohio and the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host "Viewer Appreciation Night," presented by Your Central Ohio Toyota Dealers during the telecast of the Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings game on Friday, April 9 at 7pm.

Jackets fans watching at home will have the opportunity to win one of three great prize packs:

· 2010 Columbus Blue Jackets Team Autographed Hockey Stick

Four (4) Tickets to a 2010-2011 Blue Jackets Game at Nationwide Arena

$200 Gasoline Gift Card

· 2010 Columbus Blue Jackets Team Autographed Jersey

Four (4) Tickets to a 2010-2011 Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena

$200 Gasoline Gift Card

· Four (4) Club Seats for Blue Jackets Opening Night 2010 at Nationwide Arena

Rick Nash Autographed Puck

$200 Blue Line Store Gift Certificate

Once every period during the game, FOX Sports Ohio broadcasters will give a keyword and cue to enter. Once viewers receive the keyword, they can enter to win by texting the keyword to 37664. Fans can also enter online at www.FOXSportsOhio.com by following the Viewer Appreciation Night links and instructions.

Later that same period, FOX Sports Ohio broadcasters will select and announce the winner. The total of three (3) winners will be contacted by FOX Sports Ohio following the event. Blue Jackets fans 18 and older watching the game from anywhere can watch and win.

"As the home of the Blue Jackets, we set out to provide the most exciting and informative broadcast for our viewers," said Henry Ford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FOX Sports Ohio. "Viewer Appreciation Night is just one way for us to thank the wonderful fans who watched the Blue Jackets on FOX Sports Ohio and supported the team all season long."

One lineup change for the boys in blue- Rick Nash will be back in the lineup. Look for Sestito to sit. The Wings will be going with the same lineup as last game.

Mase gets the start again tonight, facing Jimmy Howard.

Game Time: 7:00ET

Opponent's Blog: Winging It In Motown

Game Page: Red Wings vs Blue Jackets coverage

TSN Preview: Red Wings vs Blue Jackets preview

TV: FSN

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump...

From the Columbus Dispatch:

The Jackets complete their ninth season - all but one without making the playoffs - competing for pride and a possible place in the draft lottery. The red-hot Red Wings are in the playoffs for a 19th straight year but still battling for seeding. You would have to think Phoenix is a better option than Vancouver or San Jose, so Detroit would love to win.

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

 

Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Detroit Red Wings