Hockey Picks: Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Written by Matthew Regaw
Tue, 25 Oct 2011
Category sportsbook
Feedback Rating - no votes
The Washington Capitals decimated the Redwings 7-1 on Sat Oct 22nd, giving Detroit its first loss of the season. Detroit looks to rebound against the flailing Columbus BlueJackets at Nationwide Arena on 25 Oct.
Detroit goalie Ty Conklin, coming off a shutout in his previous appearance in the net on October 8 against the Colorado Avalanche, gave up seven goals while saving only 18.
Last time Detroit faced the Bluejackets Jimmy Howard was in net and the Redwings rolled to a 5-2 victory with goals from Johan Franzen (2) Pavel Datsyuk, Niclas Lidstrom and Valtteri Filppula. Howard posted a .941 SV% stopping 34 of 36 shots.
It is uncertain at this time if Howard will get the start against Columbus, but it is certain that the Columbus Bluejackets are the third worst offensive team in the league at 2.1 goals per game. They have given up the second most goals in the league at 3.6 per game. They have allowed the second most power play goals in the league with 1.3 per game, and Columbus has the worst penalty killing in the league at 64.3%.
Detroit averages 37 shots per game and averages 3 goals per game with a 2.33 GA regardless of who is between the pipes.
Lines and Totals have not been posted for this game but the last time they met Detroit was a -235 favorite and the total was posted at 5.5.
Look for Detroit to try to purge disappointment from their system and leave Ohio with the victory against the league's only winless team.
Prediction: Detroit 5 BlueJackets 1