2. DETROIT, 51-21-10 (112 POINTS), FIRST IN CENTRAL DIVISION

7. COLUMBUS, 41-31-10 (92 POINTS), TIE FOR THIRD IN CENTRAL DIVISION

REGULAR-SEASON MEETINGS

TIED, 3-3

At Detroit: Red Wings, 2-1

At Columbus: Jackets, 2-1

SERIES SCHEDULE

Game 1: Thursday, at Detroit - 7 p.m.

Game 2: Saturday, at Detroit - 6 p.m.

Game 3: Tuesday, at Columbus - 7 p.m.

Game 4: Thursday, at Columbus - 7 p.m.

(IF NECESSARY)

Game 5: April 25, at Detroit - 7 p.m.

Game 6: April 27, at Columbus - TBA

Game 7: April 29, at Detroit - TBA

Big picture

The Blue Jackets will try to use checking and puck pursuit to slow the Red Wings, who can be a lethal offensive club if they're given time and space. ... Faceoffs will be huge -- the Red Wings thrive with the puck and get frustrated when they don't have it as much as they'd like. ... The Red Wings have the NHL's best power play; the Blue Jackets have the worst. If the Jackets' penalty kill isn't better than it has been all season, it will be a short series.

Red Wings win if

They can neutralize the Blue Jackets' forecheck with crisp passes and smart play in their own zone.

Blue Jackets win if

They weather the storms. There will be dizzying moments where the Red Wings look like world-beaters and the Jackets can only chase the puck.

Net advantage

Advantage Blue Jackets. Rookie Steve Mason has the makings of a "playoff" goalie, but he'll have to prove it. Detroit's Chris Osgood has fluctuated between OK and awful all season.

Digits

1,793 ... Combined Stanley Cup playoffs games played by members of the Red Wings. The Blue Jackets total is 401.

Fearless forecast

RED WINGS IN SEVEN

aportzline@dispatch.com