The Daily: Blue Jackets and Red Wings Playing Big Games; Yzerman Shopping?

On Dec. 17, the Columbus Blue Jackets were 12-15-5. On Christmas, the Detroit Red Wings were 13-18-4. Back then, no one would have guessed that the home-and-home series these two teams will play this week would have a significant impact on the Eastern Conference race.

The Red Wings’ 3-2 win against the Minnesota Wild Tuesday improved their record to 9-1-1 in their last 11 to continue their hold on the Eastern Conference’s first wildcard position. Detroit has 66 points, followed by Columbus in the second wildcard spot with 64 points. The Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins each boast 62 points.

None of those three teams want to see Detroit and Columbus have three-point games Thursday in Detroit or Saturday in the outdoor game at Ohio Stadium.

The NHL isn't just heading back outside; it's heading back to school!

Saturday's game between the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets at Ohio Stadium will be the eighth NHL game at a college football stadium! #StadiumSeries pic.twitter.com/p0XepbHAX3

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) February 26, 2025

The two teams met Jan. 2 in Columbus , and the Red Wings survived a 5-4 verdict. The Blue Jackets have played much better at home than on the road this season (19-6-4 vs. 9-16-4). The Red Wings have some measure of consistency in their home and road record. They are 16-12-3 at Little Caesars Arena and 14-10-3 on the road.

The Blue Jackets are the better offensive team, ranking fifth with an average of 3.29 goals per game.  Detroit is 18th at 2.90 goals per game, but Todd McLellan’s team has scored three of more goals in 10 of its last 11 games. Detroit is the better defensive team at 3.12 goals-per-game. Columbus is at 3:28.

Detroit boasts a power-play advantage at 29.2%. Columbus coach Dean Evason has a worry there because his team’s penalty kill efficiency is roughly 75%.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

With Andrew Copp gone for the season, GM Steve Yzerman might consider trading for center help. Bob Duff has a list.

The Red Wings traded goalie Ville Husso to Anaheim to clear up some cap space.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit (30-22-6) holds the first Eastern Conference wildcard position at 66 points. The Red Wings have 24 games remaining. They would need 17 wins or equivalent (.708 points percentage) of that to reach 100 points. Thirteen wins or equivalent (.541). Last season, Detroit had 91 points and missed the playoffs by one point. The last time the team reached 100 points many points was 2014-15.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Aarif Deen looks at what the Colorado needs are prior to the March 7 NHL trade deadline. Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: The Devils are interested in acquiring Jake Evans, but the Montreal Canadiens are seeking a rich return for the center. New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes about how coach Mike Sullivan shredded his team’s embarrassing effort in its most recent loss. Pittsburgh Penguins.