Western Conference Quarterfinal

 

Season Series (Columbus 5-3-0)

 

Leading Scorers
  • LW Henrik Zetterberg (82 GP, 27 G, 54 A, 81 PTS)
  • C Pavel Datsyuk (82 GP, 33 G, 32 A, 65 PTS)
  • C Patrik Stefan (82 GP, 32 G, 32 A, 64 PTS)
  • LW Ray Whitney (82 GP, 17 G, 47 A, 64 PTS)
  • RW Alexei Morozov (80 GP, 27 G, 33 A, 60 PTS)
  • RW Dany Heatley (81 GP, 34 G, 48 A, 82 PTS)
  • RW David Vyborny (82 GP, 29 G, 48 A, 77 PTS)
  • C Danny Fritsche (82 GP, 25 G, 43 A, 68 PTS)
  • LW Nikolai Zherdev (82 GP, 30 G, 33 A, 63 PTS)
  • C Mats Sundin (82 GP, 20 G, 40 A, 60 PTS)

 

Special Teams
  • Power Play - 14.0 % (t-18th in NsHL)
  • Penalty Kill - 87.1 % (6th in NsHL)
  • Power Play - 16.7 % (t-7th in NsHL)
  • Penalty Kill - 83.8 % (t-18th in NsHL)

 

Keys to the Series

DETROIT RED WINGS

  • Transition game. These teams are very evenly matched. The Wings have always been effective when forcing neutral zone turnovers, and they will have to continue to do just that. Their defensemen are good at moving pucks up the ice quickly, and if the Wings can create odd-man rushes throughout the series, they will have a good chance at beating the defending champs.
  • Skating. The Wings have the edge on team skating and speed, especially on the back end. Detroit is going to have to use that speed in order to create chances and draw penalties. Detroit has had some struggles with their power play, but the Columbus penalty kill isn't great either. The forecheck will be huge for Detroit in this series.
  • Scott Niedermayer. He struggled after coming over from Tampa Bay, but his playoff experience is why the Wings brought him in. Detroit has a lot of experience on the blue line, but Niedermayer will have to pick up his play for Detroit to advance.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

  • Mats Sundin. He battled inconsistency all season, but did put up 60 points. Playing with David Vyborny and Rick Nash, Sundin will have to create chances and put up points in this series. If he struggles, the Jackets are going to have a tough time.
  • Stay out of the box. The Jackets like to play a physical game and Detroit's speed will give them problems. If they aren't disciplined and in good position they are going to make things very difficult on themselves.
  • Marc Denis. While he didn't have the numbers he would have liked this year, he did lead the league in wins with 38. He also lead all playoff goalies in minutes played. As we mentioned earlier, these teams are evenly matched. Denis, who played well while taking the Jackets to a championship a year ago, will have to be sharp.

 

And the winner is...

This is going to be a long, tough series. These teams are going to beat each other up and down the ice. The Wings have the edge skating wise, but the Jackets have the physical edge. It's a shame these teams are playing in the first round, but we think...

Blue Jackets in six games.