The Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators have been nearly inseparable all season, and the two Central Division foes are each at Bridgestone Arena to kick off Game 1 of the postseason.
Predators Vs. Red Wings, Game 1: Positives, Negatives For Each Team
PresswireNASHVILLE POSITIVES
Gaustad not only scored a huge goal to set the tone of the game for Nashville, but he won 60 percent of his faceoffs, including 63 percent of 16 faceoffs in the defensive zone. Those wins were huge in keeping the puck away from the Red Wings, especially as Gaustad won two big faceoffs in the final minute of play.
Read Article >Predators Vs. Red Wings, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Predators Hang On For 3-2 Win
For two of the least-penalized teams in the league, special teams played a surprisingly large role in the series opener. Both Red Wings goals were scored on the man advantage, with which the club played eight times on Wednesday night. The Predators had the man advantage six times, but were unable to score.
Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.
Read Article >GIF: Shea Weber Smashes Henrik Zetterberg’s Head Into The Glass
It was kind of like a wrestler slamming someone’s head into the turnbuckle. Except, unlike professional wrestling, smashing someone’s head into a nearby barrier isn’t so legal in hockey. It’s frowned upon, friends. And punished.
Not his finest moment, but a hilarious GIF!
Read Article >Darren Helm Takes Skate To Wrist, Leaves Game For Hospital
The injury occurred in the first period of the contest when Helm went to hit a Nashville player along the boards. It was a gorgeous hit -- perhaps too gorgeous, as the Preds player flipped end-over-end, his skate flying up and catching Helm’s right wrist.
Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.
Read Article >Gabriel Bourque Hits Ian White In First Questionable Check Of 2012 NHL Playoffs
White was fine and even seemed to laugh the play off a bit after getting to his feet, but Bourque was given a two-minute minor penalty for boarding.
Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.
Read Article >Darren Helm Set To Return For Detroit Red Wings In Game 1 Vs. Predators
“He puts everybody else in the right spot,” Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. “We had a great bottom six all year long, and then we lost our people. We had no bottom six; we had no support scoring. It’s amazing when you put people in the right spot.”
Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.
Read Article >NHL Playoffs 2012, Red Wings Vs. Predators Game 1: Game Time, TV Coverage And More
Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg (40) is defended by Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter (20) in the second period at Joe Louis Arena. Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE Between their head-to-head record, the form of the goalies and the production of their offensive weapons, the Wings-Preds series is extremely evenly matched. The series opens in Nashville, and the Red Wings won’t be OK with less than a split heading back to Joe Louis Arena.
No. 5 Detroit Red Wings at No. 4 Nashville Predators
8 p.m. ET -- Game 1, Western Conference Quarterfinals | Series tied, 0-0
National TV: CNBC, CBC, RDS2 | Local TV: FS Detroit, SportSouth
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