Detroit Red Wings get fifth straight win over Nashville Predators 2-1 -NHL Update
Ever since the start of their six-game home stand, Detroit has refused to be taken down in any manner and proved their determination to top the National Hockey League (NHL) as Red Wings grabbed their fifth straight win over Nashville Predators, 2-1, on Friday
night, February 17, 2012, at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Both team remained tied entering the third and final period but Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk made sure they did not give the other club a chance in overtime or even a possible shootout with his game-winning goal at the 19:54 mark.
Johan Franzen gave Detroit the lead a little over midway through the first with his 23rd goal of the 2011-2012 NHL regular season while Nick Spaling took advantage of the Red Wings turnover late in the second to level the match at 1-1 entering
the final 20 minutes.
As the match was inevitably heading into overtime, Datsyuk took control of the puck from centre ice after Henrik Zetterberg found him open and made a miraculous pass to the veteran, who fired it through Pekka Rinne after fighting all the way through traffic
to take the game.
"Well, he comes with a lot of speed and the D is basically standing still, so you don't want any player coming down there, especially Pav," Zetterberg said. "And he makes a really good move and takes a really good shot, so he's a very nice player, a very
skilled player."
"Z (Zetterberg) made a great pass. I jump on the side," Datsyuk said. "I prefer to shoot because I don't know how much time."
Detroit not only got their fifth straight win, they also extended their winning streak at home to 22, which is currently the best in the league, surely making them favourites if they manage to grab the home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
The Red Wings have one more at home against San Jose Sharks on Sunday and a chance to end it off perfectly before taking off to face Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
Nashville Predators stand comfortably at fifth in the Western Conference and have the next against Dallas Stars on Sunday.
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