Red Wings Take Command of Series, Lead Blue Jackets 3-0

The Detroit Red Wings put the Columbus Blue Jackets’ backs to a wall Tuesday night, taking a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference Quarterfinal series with a 4-1 win.

Detroit spoiled the first-ever playoff game in Columbus with a goal just 67 seconds into the game and didn’t allow the Blue Jackets on the board until the game’s closing minutes.

Tomas Holmstrom opened the scoring early. Marian Hossa snapped a shot off the crossbar behind Columbus goalie Steve Mason. The puck dropped down into the crease and Holmstrom poked it home to give Detroit the early lead.

Dan Cleary stretched the lead to a pair with 45 seconds left in the period, taking a pass from Johan Franzen in front of the net, then spinning and sliding the puck around Mason.

Henrik Zetterberg scored with 6:05 left in the second period, scoring from the slot after being left all alone as Mike Commodore moved to hit Franzen behind the net.

R.J. Umberger returned from being knocked woozy on a second-period hit by Brad Stuart to score the Blue Jackets’ lone goal of the game. Umberger backhanded a rebound chance past Chris Osgood on a power play with 3:53 remaining in regulation.

Zetterberg added an empty-net goal to finish off the scoring.

Mason finished the night with 22 saves on 25 shots against, while Osgood stopped 31 of 32 Columbus chances.

The Red Wings did not score a power play goal for the first time this series, as they were unable to convert either of their two chances. The Blue Jackets scored their first power play goal of the series, going one-for-four on the night.

Detroit looks to complete the sweep on Thursday night.

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The Red Wings were without Kris Draper for the third-straight playoff game and fifth in a row overall.