The stories were so easy to write: The red hot Blue Jackets coming into Detroit to face the Red Wings, who have been struggling so badly at home - ripe for an upset as the Wings dragged themselves back onto their feet in front of the home crowd.
Zach Werenski, the Michigan native and defensive wunderkid, playing in front of his family. Would he shine, or would he screw the pooch under all that pressure.
The surprising removal of Columbus’ captain, Nick Foligno, due to illness and the callup of Oliver Bjorkstrand. What would the Jackets do without one of their leading scorers, and could the young forward replace the veteran’s presence after being dropped into the top six?