Wings clobber Blue Jackets

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

With stars Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom out and Detroit on a three-game losing streak, Henrik Zetterberg’s go-ahead goal meant a whole lot to the slumping Red Wings.

Zetterberg’s hard-angle shot touched off a flurry of four goals, and Joey MacDonald did the rest in the Red Wings’ 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night.

Backup goalie Joey MacDonald had 28 saves, keeping the Red Wings in it until their explosive offense got rolling.

“They’re a dangerous team. They know how to play the game. They play the right way,” interim Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said. “Their core guys have been together a long time. They have an identity the way they play. When they smell blood, they seem to kick it up.”

Johan Franzen had a goal and two assists, and Zetterberg, Kronwall and Filppula each had an assist to go with their goals.

Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash, who was on the block but not traded before Monday’s NHL deadline, scored his 22nd goal.

Nash has been the focal point all week in Columbus after it was revealed by Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson on Monday that Nash had asked to be traded. When Nash was introduced before the game, fans responded with mostly cheers with a few boos mixed in.

“It was great. I’m honored. Like I said before, me and these fans have been through a lot,” Nash said of the warm reception. “It honestly meant the world to me to hear that.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but the fans are the classiest, most patient fans we have. I’m so impressed by them and so thankful.”

Lidstrom sat out because of an injured ankle sustained against Colorado on Saturday.