Predators Become the Prey

Nashville was a tired team flying into Detroit after a comeback victory over the Washington Capitals last night in the Music City. Surprisingly the Red Wings came out with a great start and before the visitors had a chance to get settled, they found themselves in a 3-0 hole. The Red Wing’s speed was apparent all night as the tired Predators were unable to out skate defenders through the neutral zone and routinely gave up costly turnovers.

Just under a minute into the game Tatar makes an excellent defensive play to break up a Nashville rush then turns an makes an excellent pass up to Sheahan to spring 15/14 on a 2-1. After a great saucer pass from Sheahan, Nyquist puts it in the empty net to give the Wings an early lead. At the half way point of the first period, Pavel won the faceoff back to Qunicy who gets a deflection off 2 defenders and in to make it 2-0. Just over a minute later Nyquist’s speed creates a turnover and Tatar snipes one through 3 players to give the Wings a 3-0 lead 12 minutes into the game, ending Hutton’s night. Just as the Wings were getting ready to take the lead into the locker room, the Predators win a draw back to Ekholm who fires one wide that bounces of Quincy/Mrazek’s knob and in to keep the game interesting

The late goal gave the Preds some hope to start the 2nd. However on an early Red Wing’s PP,  Z carried the puck down the left wing and saw Mazanec cheating towards the middle. With a bank shot off the goalie’s back the captain made it 4-1, effectively ending Nashville’s chances of a comeback. The Power Play success continued late in the period and padded the lead. With under a minute left Sheahan catches the puck on the side of the net and tried to saucer a pass to a streaking Pulkkinen. The great pass never got to the rookie as Tatar batted it out of mid air into the top corner to make it 5-1 Wings. Early in the 3rd the Predators make it 5-2 on the PP when Fisher picked up a rebound and avoided Ericsson to put it in the empty net. That was all they would get in a third period that looked like both teams were just trying to get home as soon as possible.

Against a tired team the Red Wings did what they needed to do, score early and shut the door before the visitors even had a chance. At even strength, tonight was an example of how the Wings should look at their best. Their speed on the backcheck suffocates the opposition and creates turnovers that they can turn into scoring chances. Also glad to see that Mrazek continues to play well in his run as the #1 starter. Good for the team to spread out the ice time tonight and not rely on anyone playing too much before another game tomorrow against Buffalo.