Game 78 Preview: Jackets / Wings Game One

Another spring series against the Wings! This time it isn’t in the Stanley Cup playoffs though- it’s a schedule quirk whereby the Jackets play the Wings in three of their last five games. The Wings have proven that they aren’t out of gas just yet, and are playing fantastic hockey right now. The way Columbus plays against the Wings in these three games will go a long way in the development of the young players. They showed major character in beating the Blackhawks back-to-back, and now they look to do the same against Detroit.

Same lineup as last game, hopefully Kana can get more than five minutes of ice this game though. He looked engaged and focused in the limited action he had, and brought more to the table than Maksim Mayorov did in his brief stint in Columbus. I also love watching Frischmon skate- he’s so fluid. It’s not very often I get excited about the fourth line, but I can’t wait to see them get on the ice.

Fearless Prediction: Jake Voracek scores his 50th point of the season (Take 2).

Game Time: 7:30ET

Opponent’s Blog: Winging It In Motown

Game Page: Blue Jackets vs Red Wings coverage

TSN Preview: Blue Jackets vs Red Wings preview

TV: FSN

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

More after the jump…

From the Columbus Dispatch:

The Blue Jackets were blown out 9-1 by Detroit on Nov.11, but the past two matchups – a 2-1 loss in Detroit on Dec.26 and a 1-0 overtime home win on Dec.28 – were much more competitive. Watch out, Steve Mason: The Red Wings have put 144 shots on goal in the past three games.

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