Pre-game thoughts: If the Jackets want a measuring stick they've got one!

The Jackets take on the vaunted Detroit Red Wings tonight at the Joe Lewis Arena in Detroit. This is the first of 8 meetings with the Wings who have pretty much cleaned house in their overall serious going 8-22 and some change. Although the Jackets did take 3 of 8 last year which was step in the right direction, even if a minor one.

There is no doubt that if the Jackets want to see how they stack up against the best in the league then they'll have that opportunity tonight against a streaking Wings team who is 11-2-1 and have gone 6-1-1 at home.

Keys to lighting em up

At the simplest form the Jackets need to stick to their game plan and play the way that's been successfull for them this season....and that's a suffocating defensive style where offense is created by checking. That's not to say the Jackets need to be constantly looking to take the heads off of the Wings but be they must be physical, limite their own turnover but create them as well, play strong in all 3 zones and capitalize on chances. Need a complete team effort.

Neutralize Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom. Easy for me to say but the Jackets can't get caught watching these three do their thing to pick apart the team. Those boys put on their skates the same way ours do so lets not stop and admire....they have numbers on their backs like everyone else so play them the same as your would them.

Timely scoring. I don't care where the scoring comes from it just needs to come. Whether it be Nasher and Z who lead the way again offensively or a guy like Vyborny finally scoring (I just read over on HF that this dude hasn't scored a goal since March 9th of last season - ouch) we need goals. It would also help to score that first one and get some momentum.

I think the Wings are ripe for a butt kicking tonight but as much as I hate that time you have to give them credit where credit is due -- they haven't been on top of the NHL for 15+ years for nothing - these guys bring it every night no matter who the opponent is -- the Jackets have their work cut out for them and need a much better effort than what they had against Chicago.

I'll be at the Rbar to watch this one - hope to see ya there!

-LTL