Check of the series so far (would be hit of the playoffs were it not for this one):

With that and this hit, it’s amazing Umberger can still play.
[Source: OnTheWingsBlog.com]

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Tonight we get our first look at how the Jackets will perform in front of a friendly crowd. The reverse goes for the Wings, who’ll have to keep up the same level of play they established at Joe Louis at Nationwide Arena.
For Columbus, this couldn’t be a more important game. Their playoff hopes dim to a bare flicker if they fall down 3-0, but a win tonight would make it a series, opening the door for Game 4 to level the playing field. Some keys to the game for the …

Tonight we’ll get a better sense of the direction of this series. The Wings set the tone in Game 1 with a dominant performance, but the tone set today is even more important.
The Jackets face a possible 2-0 deficit and will have to be at their best if they want to even things up. Three keys for Columbus:
Mason. Steve Mason was strong Thursday night, but he wasn’t the unbeatable kid we saw at times in the regular season. He can’t help deflected goals, but he can be better. The Jackets …

My immediate reaction to the game is here. More thoughts on the game (a little more scattered than usual because I forgot my notes):
… First off, if you’re looking for a short description of the game, John starts out his post-game comment with a great one: “Switch flipped.” Be sure to read the rest.
… Last night, I characterized the Wings’ good effort as “first ten minutes aside…” but really the first ten weren’t bad. The Jackets came at them hard, with the help of some power plays, and they weathered …

Mickey Redmond used those words to describe the play of Chris Osgood tonight, and while I’m still on the high of a Game 1 win, they feel like an understatement. Ozzie was incredible. Video of his comments to the media after the game showed a goaltender with real intensity and a major chip on his shoulder. Great to see.
His teammates, particularly the third line, weren’t that far behind on the spectacular scale. First ten minutes aside, it was a great start that included a quick “switch flip” that I don’t …

Ever since the Wings’ playoff slogan was announced, I’ve felt it’s best read in a tone of relief or at least with “Finally!” I understand it’s part of a larger effort by the team to reach out to its fans and encourage participation (”Come grow with us!”), but I can’t help but see it as a commentary on the regular season, the series of games that so evidently bored the team.
As the slogan announces, that season is now past, the beards are returning, and the team now faces the challenge …

A preview of the first round series between Detroit and Columbus.

Update (7:00 PM): It looks like the Helm call-up is insurance against the possibility that Kris Draper isn’t ready to go in Game 1. Mike Babcock told Dave Dye, “If (Kris) Draper can’t play, he’ll definitely be in the lineup,” (”he” being Helm).
What if Draper’s healthy? Based on the other reports, Helm’s probably in the lineup.   Helene St. James thinks Maltby’s the odd man out. I disagree. - Matt
Ansar Khan reports that Darren Helm has been called up to play Thursday in the post-season opener. No word on who he’ll …

The Wings will open the playoffs against Steve Mason and Company. On the surface, that really sucks because Mason’s had their number all season. But maybe Mason being  a known quantity will result in a positive ending. This won’t be a Giguere-in-2003-like surprise.
And Meg points out that if the Wings are going to play well this postseason, they can beat Columbus. If they’re not going to play well, it’s better to not have to stay up late to watch it. I think a stiff test against a team in our time …

No player will say publicly who they want or do not want to play in the playoffs.
It’s an unwritten rule not to provide fodder for the other team’s bulletin board. But it might have some creedence when the Ducks say it doesn’t matter if  they play San Jose or Detroit in the first round of the playoffs.
The teams play similar styles, largely because San Jose coach Todd McLellan was an assistant under Detroit coach Mike Babcock for three years prior to taking the Sharks job last summer.
“He’s got full knowlegdge …

The penalty shot call in the final minute of today’s game was as bad a call as I have ever seen. Kronwall’s defensive play there was impeccable, and completely within the rules. The deep ref had absolutely no business taking the outcome of the game in his hands like that. A straight penalty would have been a terrible call, and the penalty shot was just appalling. The official’s job is to manage the game, not determine its outcome. Unbelievable idiocy on his part.
That said, it wouldn’t even be an issue …