Not A Rivalry Game, But An Important Matchup

By Adam W Parks

The Wings are in the dreadful state of Ohio today to take on a Columbus Blue Jackets team that will be looking to avenge the 4-0 sweep they sustained against Detroit in the first round of the playoffs last season. Unlike the UofM/OSU, Tigers/Indians rivalries, this Michigan/Ohio dynamic does not equal a true rivalry for the Wings. However Columbus will certainly treat each of the six regular season matchups as it is. Detroit has won the Central Division every season that Columbus has been in existence, dating back to 2001. In fact, since the Central was formed back in 1994, the Wings have taken divisional honors all but three times (Dallas twice, St. Louis once). But the Wings will need to play as if tonight's tilt actually was a true rivalry game as the Jackets are currently in a tie with Chicago for the lead in the Central.

Columbus is leading the way in the Central despite reigning Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) winner Steve Mason's struggles between the pipes. Mason topped all goaltenders last season with ten shutouts and posted an amazing 2.29 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in his rookie campaign. His GAA is up nearly a goal per game this season, though his team continues to win anyway. Jimmy Howard will be in net opposite of Mason tonight and will look to rebound from the five regulation goals he gave up to Edmonton in a 6-5 shootout loss on October 29.

New Wing!

Welcome Drew Miller, the newest addition to the Wings. Detroit claimed the defensive-minded forward off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning today. A standout at Michigan State University, Miller was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks and is the brother of Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. Though he lacks scoring production in his 67 career NHL games (just 15 points), he does have postseason experience and a 2007 Stanley Cup ring with Anaheim. As captain for the Spartans Miller led MSU with 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in the 2005-06 season and won the CCHAs award for best defensive-forward. He has just six goals and nine assists playing in the NHL, but will provide some much-needed depth to a depleted Detroit roster, perhaps joining fellow Sparty on Justin Abdelkader's line.

Making Adjustments

With the loss of Jason Williams (broken leg) the Wings must shake up the power play units. Williams had been playing the point with the man-advantage and two of his seven points have come on the power play. Look for Brad Stuart to step up on the second unit and provide a little offense, something he has not been asked to do very often in Detroit. Nevertheless, Stuart has plenty of prior power play experience and has a heavy shot from the point. The Wings are notorious for having a deadly power play attack, but they are ranked 15th in the NHL this season and have been stagnant of late: just one goal out of 18 opportunities in the last five games. With so many offensive pieces missing in the lineup, Detroit must take advantage of their advantages.

More On Yzerman Cuz You Can't Get Enough

If you did not read the previous post on LAMP THE LIGHT, do it. And while you are at it, read this too. When you are done with that, here is nice little quote from the captain about THE captain from nhl.com. "He would step up and say things at the right moment and when it was needed, but the most important thing is he would back it up on the ice," said Nicklas Lidstrom about Steve Yzerman. "He would lead by example, and I think his determination really showed when the game was on the line." I have read some comments from people who get paid to write about the Wings that say Lidstrom is the best Red Wing of all time. Granted, one can maybe make an argument there, but it sounds like an old journalistic trick to generate debate. If Gordie Howe is Mr. Hockey, then Steve Yzerman is Mr. Hockeytown. If you know me, then you know my affinity for Lidstrom. I only own one Wings jersey and it is a #5 sweater from 1995, but #19 will always be #1 in my book.

Peace.