This pregame report is brought to you by hand-me down-snowblowers. Hand-me-down snowblowers, clearing my driveway since about 45 minutes ago.

Mike Babcock did his equivalent of tearing his team a new one in the press today.

After several of the Red Wings' losses this season I've had a hard time explaining what went wrong. Tonight feels like another one of those nights.

Can it really be as simple as Detroit not playing hard enough? I find that hard to believe but it seems to be the case.

The Wings defense has been a step behind, their goaltending has been a little slow, and their shots are just a little off.

Darren McCarty, back from his one-game stint with the Grand Rapids Griffins, will miss tonight's Red Wings - Blue Jackets matchup. McCarty tweaked a groin injury at Detroit's morning skate.

Derek Meech will remain at forward to replace McCarty on the fourth line after originally expecting to be a healthy scratch.

Maybe I'm just feeling optimistic this morning but I don't count last night's loss to Montreal as being too bad of a loss to take.

The Red Wings didn't do a lot that was outright wrong. They got outplayed in what was mostly an energy issue, not a talent issue. They weren't as effective in the corners as they needed to be and it cost them scoring chances.

Darren Helm will be in the lineup for the Red Wings tonight as the Montreal Canadiens visit Detroit, having been called up from the Grand Rapids Griffins this morning.

To make room for him in the lineup, Darren McCarty was sent down to Grand Rapids. McCarty cleared waivers last week and was eligible to me moved to the AHL.