Blue Jackets Look to Sweep Season Series in Detroit After Shutout Stalemate

Five days after sleepwalking through a scoreless snoozefest, these Central Division combatants get another crack at finding the back of the net. The Blue Jackets and Red Wings combined for exactly zero goals last Saturday in what can only be described as a goaltending clinic or an offensive tragedy, depending on your perspective. DarkHorse nailed the Red Wings +1.5 in that one, and frankly, both teams looked like they could've used the cushion.

Now we run it back in Detroit, where the Red Wings will be desperate to avoid getting swept in the early-season series. The question is whether either squad remembered to pack their scoring touch this time. Columbus has to feel good about their defensive structure after blanking Detroit, but you can't win games 0-0 forever. Meanwhile, the Wings need to generate something—anything—in front of their home crowd or risk watching this young season slip away before October even arrives.

Expect both coaches to emphasize puck movement and net-front presence after that offensive dud. Someone's breaking through tonight, and the home team usually has the edge in these tight divisional rematches. The Jackets proved they can frustrate Detroit's attack, but sustaining that road magic twice in five days? That's asking plenty.