COLUMBUS, Ohio -- 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.
Notes: The Red Wings were without Kris Draper for the third-straight playoff game and fifth in a row overall.
It goes without saying (though it's been said repeatedly) that the first 10 minutes are huge tonight. If the Wings can withstand an early push by the Blue Jackets they're in good position.
Hossa and Homer hook up early! First ten minutes, bitches!
Way to silence the crowd.
Ozzie comes up huge!
Bluejackets are head hunting.
Osgood's putting on a show again... This makes me smile.
The BJ players must be sick of the sight of Osgood by now.
The BJ players
If you know what's right, you might want to refrain from that shortage! 
Just saying XD
Anyways, I know I'm 20 minutes late, but I was THRILLED to see the Wings with a goal so early.
(P.S. Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaackeeeeets on the powwwwweeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrr pllllaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy)
Awful call with the other stuff we've seen this series.
Sweeeeet. Cleary makes it 2 - 0!
Clears!
Yes, Ken, that's a back-breaker. Let's keep breaking their back. There are multiple places on their back to break.
Well that period was very nicely sandwiched by Cleary and Holmstrom.
The BJ players
If you know what's right, you might want to refrain from that shortage!
How do you know it wasn't on purpose?
I didn't say you did it on accident, I'm just saying it's not so wise If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'd suggest looking it up on urbandictionary, but if you do, haha, wow.
But it's such a useful abbreviation for those of us who appreciate sophomoric humor from time to time.
Bullsh*t call. f*cking hell.
The BJ fans aren't too happy about that call.
Gotta say, Hejda's tough staying out there after taking that shot.
Stuie just f*cking wrecked Umberger! Holy christ!
Oh, lawdy.
Why is the Blue Jacket's mascot so creepy? I'd be terrified if I was a little kid |: Looks like the boogie man and a giant bug had a lovechild.
Uh oh. Is Umberger hurt? It almost reminds me of that one hit on Lidstrom. That was BAD.
HAHAHA. Commodore into the Wings bench.
And then a goal!
I'm digging this game.
There's a train a comin....
And Commedore gets a ride on some bright red wings!
And Zetterberg makes it even more wonderful!
Commodore's too busy trying to hurt someone and Zata scores. f*ck yeah.
"That's as close as Commedore will get to being a Redwing"
Priceless.
I'm still nervous but the Wings are playing another fantastic game.
"All of our teams can afford to be competitive."
Except for Phoenix.
That whole time Bettman was on the screen I couldn't help but think of Harry Buttman from Bon Cop, Bad Cop
Way too much play in the Wings end this period.
Looks like they're just going for it this period with nothing to lose.
Wings started to pick it up for a second there. I'm watching the clock too much.
I think that was in.
Wow, I was wrong. Hand of God in favor of Detroit. I'll be damned.
Damnit. Someone should hit Umberger again and remind him of his place.
Urgh. Bye bye shutout.
Did Ken just say Game Seven? Anticipating the end of the series?
Zata with the ENG. Stranglehold.
This FSN Ohio feed is really annoying me. They just explained the octopus tradition after a gameful of repeating loads of common facts.
Three down!
Broomtime, hopefully! Especially since I won't be able to watch the scheduled game 5!
This FSN Ohio feed is really annoying me. They just explained the octopus tradition after a gameful of repeating loads of common facts.
That's because everyone knows that channel is a joke! I live in Ohio and they don't even play the Jackets games, even when they're playing the Red Wings. Thank god I live close enough to MI!
4 goals in each game, oh yeah.
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