When the puck drops in Detroit later this week, hockey fans will be witnessing the first game in which every NHL franchise has made the playoffs. For the first time in club history, the Columbus Blue Jackets> were able to beat the odds and take their shot at Lord Stanley’s mug. Unfortunately for them, they drew the defending champion Detroit Red Wings in their first round series. No other team in the game has played more complete hockey over the past few seasons than Detroit.
Offense: This one doesn’t take a math wizard to figure out. Detroit’s top 3 lines of forwards all finished with over 30 points, while 3 of their defensemen (Lidstrom, Rafalski and Niklas Kronwall) all have 40+ assists and 50+ points. Pavel Datsyuk, (+34) is perhaps the most complete player in the NHL, although linemate Marian Hossa (+27) could give him a run for his money. The Blue Jackets have one 30 goal scorer in Rick Nash, and that’s about it. Detroit averages over 3.5 goals a game, better than anyone else in the league.
Advantage: Detroit
Defense: Detroit’s defense ranked 19th in goals against, giving up 2.93 goals a game, compared to Columbus’ 2.72 mark. However, Detroit’s defensive corps is probably not at fault for this poor showing as much as their weak goaltending. Nick Lidstrom and company are well seasoned in playoff hockey, and this series will be more of a warm-up for them than anything else.
Advantage: Detroit
Goaltending: This is the only aspect of the game that Columbus can feel confident that they may have an edge in. Rookie sensation Steve Mason posted 33 wins and a 2.29 GAA this year, including 10 shutouts. Detroit’s goaltending situation has avoided scrutiny all season, due to the fact that their keepers are rarely called upon to win a game on their own. Backup Ty Conklin actually posted a much better GAA than starter Chris Osgood, while playing in nearly as many games. In fact, throughout 40 appearances, Conklin gave up only 94 goals and won 25 games. Osgood appeared in 46 games, winning 26 and giving up 137 goals. This will be the one facet of Detroit’s game that could give them trouble. However, if Osgood plays anything like he did last postseason, his regular season numbers will be nothing more than a footnote.
Advantage: Columbus
Special Teams: This paragraph feels more like a waste of space than anything else when comparing these two teams. Detroit’s powerplay is the most lethal unit in the league, converting more than 25% of their opportunities. Detroit’s 90 powerplay goals accounted for nearly 1/3 of their total offensive production. Columbus, on the other hand, ranks dead last in the league when it comes to powerplay efficiency. Penalty killing statistics are pointless to even discuss when the disparity between powerplay capabilities is that notable.
Advantage: Detroit
Unfortunately for Columbus, their season will end at the hands of the merciless Detroit hockey machine. In order to win a single game against Detroit, provided the Wings play the hockey they are capable of, they will require an immense effort from their rookie goalie, and a lot of luck. For that to happen four times in seven games is far too much to ask, and I would be surprise if it happens at all. Detroit in 4
