Detroit Red Wings set to play against Nashville Predators – NHL Preview
Detroit Red Wings are going to start their short four-game road trip with a game against Nashville Predators on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee.
Both teams are well placed in National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference and might easily qualify for the playoffs.
That being said, it is impossible to ignore the competitive nature of the league and a necessity to stay on the winning track so as to excel in the postseason as well.
The game is vital for them as both are trying to build an aggressive momentum that can be utilised in the next game.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Red Wings
Red Wings have played four games this month and have lost two of them.
In their last game, however, they managed to snap a two-game skid by defeating Los Angeles Kings.
Kings scored twice in the first period while Red Wings only managed one in the first period, but Red Wings provided an equaliser in the second period and did not give away any goal.
In the final period, Kings managed to once again get a one-goal advantage, but Red Wings managed to score two goals within the last five minutes to secure the victory.
Red Wings’ coach, Mike Babcock, said after the game:
"Obviously, it was a grind out-fest. Every time you put your uniform on you expect to win and yet some nights are more challenging than others, and this was one of them. We hung in there, hung around, got good goaltending and won a game.”
Red Wings are ranked at fourth spot in the Western Conference with 91 points after 68 games.
Predators
Predators have also not been in top form of late and have won two of their last four games.
In their last game, Predators defeated Colorado Avalanche in an unconvincing way. Predators went down early in the first period. But they managed to score twice in the same period to gain the lead.
Predators added another in the second and both teams scored apiece in the final period as Predators got the victory.
Predators’ coach, Barry Trotz, said after the game:
"It was a very uncomfortable game.”
He added:
“This was one of those dangerous games where you're a crossbar away whether they could tie it up ... Peks made a couple big saves when we needed as usual and just got it done."
Predators are ranked at fifth spot in the Western Conference with 85 points after 67 games.
Predictions
Red Wings might win after a close encounter and sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
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