Columbus Blue Jackets vs Detroit Red Wings Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Red Wings Carry Momentum Into Road Matchup with Blue Jackets

The Detroit Red Wings are riding a wave of newfound energy under coach Todd McLellan as they prepare for a Thursday night clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus. The Red Wings are aiming to extend their winning streak, while the Blue Jackets are seeking consistency after an impressive recent stretch.

Red Wings Flourish Under McLellan

Detroit (16-15-5) has seen immediate improvements since Todd McLellan replaced Derek Lalonde on Dec. 26. The team has won two of its first three games under McLellan, including a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, marking McLellan’s 600th career coaching win.

McLellan has emphasized a simple yet effective formula: reaching three goals in a game.

“Getting that first one tonight is massive, and if you can put one on the board, it creates a huge advantage,” said Red Wings goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 23 saves against the Penguins.

Detroit’s balanced attack saw J.T. Compher net the game-winner late in the third period, with Dylan Larkin sealing the win with an empty-net goal. Jonatan Berggren and Patrick Kane also found the back of the net, showcasing the team’s offensive depth.

“It’s a fine line of attacking but still playing smart,” Lyon added.

Blue Jackets Finding Resilience

Columbus (14-19-3) is showing signs of life after a sluggish start to the season. The Blue Jackets have won three of their last four games, including a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Dmitri Voronkov tied the game in the third period and added an assist, while Kirill Marchenko scored twice. In the shootout, rookie Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli delivered clutch goals, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins stopped two of four attempts.

“It’s a great result. Great comeback and gives confidence for us,” said Marchenko.

Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason praised his team’s resilience in overcoming the pressure of a top-tier opponent like Carolina.

“We stayed the course. At the end of the day, we get the job done,” Evason said.

Zach Werenski also continued his offensive hot streak, extending his home point streak to 13 games with an assist against the Hurricanes.

Key Players to Watch

Detroit Red Wings

• Dylan Larkin: The captain leads by example, both on and off the ice, and has been crucial in the team’s resurgence.
• Patrick Kane: A veteran scorer finding his rhythm with Detroit, Kane adds another dimension to the offense.
• Alex Lyon: The goaltender has been a steady presence and a key factor in the Red Wings’ recent wins.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Kirill Marchenko: His two-goal performance against Carolina highlighted his knack for timely scoring.
• Zach Werenski: A dynamic defenseman who’s a consistent offensive contributor, especially at home.
• Elvis Merzlikins: With 32 saves against Carolina, Merzlikins demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

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What’s at Stake

For the Red Wings, the goal is to sustain momentum under their new coach and climb the Eastern Conference standings. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, are looking to build on recent successes and maintain their push toward playoff contention.