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The reining Stanley Cup Champions and No.2 seed Detroit Red Wings will need goalie Chris Osgood to be his best tonight, April 16, as they get set to host the No.7 seed Columbus Blue Jackets, who are making their first ever playoff appearance. The season series between these two are tied at 3-3. NHL oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have the Red Wings as -240 moneyline favs over the Blue Jackets (+200) with the over/under listed at 5.5 goals. Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com

The Blue Jackets are just fine with their rookie goalie Steve Mason in net, he had an NHL-high 10 shutouts this season and his 2.29 GAA ranked second in the league. Steve Mason has three wins this season against Detroit with a 3.60 GAA. To beat Detroit they must get pucks deep the Wings zone and forecheck, which is the strength of their offensive game. They’ll have to take advantage of their scoring chances while also overcoming stretches in which the Red Wings are peppering them with shots. They also need to stay out of the penalty box against Detroit's top-ranked power play. The Jackets are 16-18-2-5 on the road where they average 2.73 GAG and give up an average 2.85 GAG. They are 1-4 in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 2.60 GAG and given up an average 3.40 GAG. Rick Nash leads his team with 40 goals and 79pts, while Kristian Huselius has 21 goals and R.J. Umbereger has 26 goals.

The Red Wings Chris Osgood finished this year with a 26-9-6-2 record, but a dismal 3.09 GAA and a .887 SVPCT. The only thing holding back the Wings from another cup run could be Osgood. Compared to last year when he had a 2.09 GAA and a league-low 1.55 GAA in the 2008 playoffs. He has franchise records in the playoffs with 52 wins and 12 shutouts and his 62 postseason victories. Osgood has three wins this season against the Jackets with a 3.40 GAA. Detroit are well known for their high powered offense that currently ranks first in goals scored, shots on net, most faceoff wins and they have the deadliest power play. Pavel Datsyuk leads with 97pts 32 goals, Henrik Zetterberg has 31 goals and they have five players with 20 goals or more. The Wings are 27-9-2-3 at home where they average 3.80 GAG and give up an average 2.80 GAG. They are 1-4 in their last five road games where they’ve averaged 3.00 GAG and given up an average 3.80 GAG.

Recent Trends to Consider:

• Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
• Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Detroit.
• Home team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
• Blue Jackets are 14-36-1 in the last 51 meetings.
• Blue Jackets are 6-19 in the last 25 meetings in Detroit.

When: Thurs, April 16, 2009 7:00 PM ET         
Line: SBGglobal.com
Pick: Detroit -240

Point-Spreads.com 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets

The Bottom Line: It’s going to be a battle between goalies, I think Columbus could pull out the upset if they stay out of the penalty box. Go Columbus! Be sure to get your 2009 NHL Playoffs Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com and receive a 60% sign-up bonus on your initial deposit!  

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