Nashville Predators look to make it 2-0 in playoff series with another win over Detroit Red Wings - NHL Playoff Preview
Nashville Predators will face the Detroit Red Wings at the Bridgestone Arena on Friday, April 13, 2012 as they look to build on their 3-2 victory in the first game.
The Predators are 1-0 up in the seven-game series after a brilliant performance and will look to deliver more of the same once again as they face the Red Wings at home ice for the second time.
Detroit will be looking to end their misery on the road which has haunted them once again. The Red Wings missed out on home-ice advantage after a string of road defeats kept them from finishing in the top four of the Western Conference.
The Red Wings dominated possession in the first game and outshot their opponents 37-26 but Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne stood strong against the onslaught and kept his team in the game.
Nashville’s offence was clinical in front of goal and even though they could not take advantage of even one of their six power plays the offensive line scored three goals past Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard to win the game.
With a 1-0 advantage the Predators will take confidence in their victory and will hope for a much improved performance in the game on Friday.
Nashville also had a bit of luck with the authorities after defenseman Shea Weber dodged suspension from the National Hockey League (NHL) for his after-game hit on Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg.
Weber received just a fine and will once again take to the rink on Friday.
Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom was not too impressed with Weber not getting suspended for his hit but said that the decision would not distract them from doing the job on Friday.
"We have to focus on the game in hand here, the game coming up tomorrow night. That's going to be on our mind and our focus."
Zetterberg escaped without any serious injuries and is available to play on Friday.
Predators coach Barry Trotz was happy with the win on Wednesday but said after the game that matches will get harder into the series and they must remain at their best.
"We know the next game's going to be a lot harder than this one. We're OK with that."
Predictions
A victory for Nashville will make it the first time in the franchise’s seven postseason appearances that they have taken a 2-0 lead in the playoffs.
With home ice advantage and a strong defence the Predators will once again be favourites to take advantage of the poor away form of the Detroit Red Wings.
Sum of goals will be less than six.
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