GameDay: vs. Columbus (5-9-2-1), 7:30

Tonight is the second of six games between these two teams this season. The Wings won the first 4-1 on October 22nd. The Wings are 6-0-1 in their last seven meetings with the Jackets and are riding a four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1-0). Columbus has a league-worst 0-7-1-0 road record and is winless in their last four games (0-2-2-0). The Wings are 3-3 against Central Division opponents so far this year. Dominik Hasek is out with a recurring groin injury and will not play at least until Saturday. Manny Legace is to get the start tonight and Joseph will start in tomorrow's game at Columbus. Darren McCarty will not be back and will not skate again until the Wings' next home practice (Sunday). Boyd Devereaux did not practice yesterday because of a sore groin but is expected to play tonight. If he ends up not being ready, the Wings might recall a player from the Griffins. Mike Mowers, perhaps. I've also heard that Ray Whitney will be out with a groin injury, according to WXYZ. Wonderful. The Jackets will be minus their captain, Luke Richardson, who is out six weeks with a broken finger. Steve Thomas will make his power play debut on a line with Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull. I see this as a good opportunity for the Wings to extend their unbeaten streak to five games. However, the Jackets have caused the Wings problems in the past and I don't expect it to be an easy win for Detroit.