:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6214947/20120326_ajw_aa1_315.jpg)
The Columbus Blue Jackets were helpless to resist the Detroit Red Wings on Monday as the Wings pummeled Columbus 7-2, clinching their spot in the playoffs. Detroit will want to have a repeat performance on Wednesday as the two teams meet once again, this time at Nationwide Arena, for the second leg of the home and home.
Finally getting back towards a full strength team with guys like Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk back from injury, Detroit put up the most goals it had scored in three months at Joe Louis Arena on Monday. Their road form has suffered in the month of March so far, but the Jackets are a good cure to what has ailed many NHL teams so far this season. The Wings might be getting more guys back from injury as well, with Johan Franzen and Jonathan Ericsson probable for the Wednesday game.
Neither of them will probably be needed if the Wings can score four goals in the first ten minutes of play again, of course.
The game will be at Nationwide Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET.
For more on the Detroit Red Wings, check out Winging It In Motown. For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, check out The Cannon.