March 19

Here in the Motor City tonight the Blue Jackets look to win their third straight against a snarly Red Wings group that is still smarting from Sunday's 4-3 loss at Nationwide.

The Blue Jackets lead the season series 3-1-1... and got the word this morning of some good news... Fredrik Modin is en route from Columbus and will rejoin his teammates for tonight's game here at Joe Louis Arena. Modin has been plagued by a bad case of the flu but was feeling much better this morning and will play on a line this evening with Derek McKenzie and Gilbert Brule. Coach Ken Hitchcock is not about to change last night's explosive trio of Dan Fritsche, Manny Malhotra and Rick Nash... that's not to say at some point we might see Modin alongside Malhotra and Nash.

Kris Russell will not be in the lineup tonight. Russell suffered a groin injury late in last night's game and his place alongside O.K. Tollefson will be taken by Dick Tarnstrom tonight.

Fredrik Norrena again gets tonight's starting assignment and will face Chris Osgood who came on in relief Sunday of Dominik Hasek, after Hasek was pulled for a sub-par performance.

The Blue Jackets better be ready tonight as Hitch told a small group of us after this morning's optional skates the Wings will be looking to kick butt tonight. I had a chance to speak to Wings coach Mike Babcock this morning and he told me privately that he was impressed with the Blue Jackets effort against Calgary last night but was surprised with the Flames performance being that they in no way are assured of a playoff spot. The Flames are one of the teams that Hitch feels the Jackets can catch if they put a winning streak together for the balance of the season. Babcock meantime is trying to get his Red Wings primed for a long playoff run. Tonight's game will be on FSN Ohio with the puck drop set for 7:30.

Enjoy the game!

*Throughout the season, AAA will bring you the Broadcaster's Blogs - "Davidge Dishes" and "Rimer Ramblings". The Columbus Blue Jackets broadcasters will try to keep you update on all the behind the scenes action through their blogs, especially when the Blue Jackets hit the road. The next road game is 3/25 @Nashville.