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Osgood expected to start when Red Wings face Blue Jackets

Dec 28, 2006 - 2:40 PM Detroit (22-9-5) at Columbus (14-19-3) 7:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) -- Dominik Hasek's terrific play has allowed Chris Osgood to take his time getting back into playing shape.

Osgood is expected to start in goal for the Detroit Red Wings, who look for their sixth win in eight games in Thursday's matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Entering the season with 10 consecutive 20-win campaigns, Osgood has played just six games in 2006-2007 because of a wrist injury. The three-time All-Star led the Red Wings to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1997 and 1998.

Since his return from the injury, Osgood lost to the Blue Jackets on December 18 and suffered an overtime defeat to the Minnesota Wild five days later.

Henrik Zetterberg scored his 14th goal of the season and Hasek made 31 saves for his 19th win to lead Detroit in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over Minnesota.

Columbus has alternated wins and losses in its last six games and has won seven of 12 contests in December.

Former Red Wing Sergei Fedorov scored the tying goal with 23 seconds left in regulation and David Vyborny netted the game-winner in overtime as the Blue Jackets rallied in Tuesday's 5-4 triumph over the Boston Bruins.