The Detroit Red Wings are riding a high, along with the Washington Capitals, as the only team without a loss thus far in the 2011-2012 season. They're 4-0 and itching to get back out there on the ice and catch up the the aforementioned Capitals, who have won all six of their matchups. Fortunately for Detroit, they're up against the Columbus Blue Jackets, currently the only team in the NHL without a win at 0-5-1. They're actually one of two Western Conference teams without at least two notches in the win column (the other being the San Jose Sharks).
Unfortunately for the Red Wings, they've been woefully inactive to this point. Their last game was six days ago - a win over the Minnesota Wild in overtime. Inactivity is something that every team has complained about near the beginning of the season at one point or another, and though the hard numbers aren't currently available, it's probably safe to say that the slow starts show a trend toward shaky play and losing.
But the Red Wings have bucked that trend thus far, as everything seems to be working. Ten different players have goals and 17 players have a point - not to mention both goalies have already recorded a shutout. Johan Franzen is leading the way with two goals and two assists, but he's only leading the way due to his strong play all-around, as Ian White and Jiri Hudler both have two goals, as well.
And with all of this - the Red Wings are also playing a Blue Jackets team that has a ton of injuries. Jeff Carter is on injured reserve after a hairline fracture in his foot and he'll be out for this game and probably a week after, as well. Kristian Huselius, Jared Boll and goalie Mark Dekanich are all out, as well.
it won't be a walk in the park, the Blue Jackets have kept things close through their six games with a -8 goal differential, but the Red Wings have to be heavily favored, especially at home.