Faceoff Factor

Red Wings vs. Predators Game 4 Preview

Justin Maffei | National Hockey League

Apr 16, 04:20 PM | Hype this story!

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Red Wings (1) vs. Predators (8) Game 4
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Series Score: Red Wings 2 – Predators 1
Game Time: 9:00 EST
Location: Sommet Center (Nashville)
Television: CBC, RDS, Versus

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Preview
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The home team has won each game in this playoff series. Nashville is hoping that trend continues in Game 4. They got a boost from the return of David Legwand in Game 3. “We know that it’s about winning a series and not just a game,’‘ goalie Dan Ellis said to The Nashville Tennessean. “As nice as it was to have that victory and that atmosphere, we have to start looking ahead now.’‘

The Red Wings will be playing Brett Lebda in place of Andreas Lilja in Game 4. “We thought last game we weren’t as quick,” coach Mike Babcock said, according to The Detroit News. “Lebs can push the puck up the ice. Our penalty kill has been good and Lils can block shots as good as anybody. You sacrifice something to get something.”

The Predators outshot the Red Wings for the first time in their past 13 games. According to The Nashville Tennessean, Red Wings’ coach Mike Babcock thinks that the extra shots made all of the difference. “They spent more time wearing out our ‘D’ than we spent wearing out their ‘D,’” Babcock said. “We felt we didn’t spend enough time in their offensive zone. We spent much more time on our heels than on our toes.”

For a complete list of team leaders and statistics, click here.

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Injuries
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Detroit: Kopecky (Sprained MCL and Torn ACL; Out), Maltby (Hamstring; DTD)
Nashville: Ortmeyer (Right Knee; IR), Gelinas (Knee Sprain; IR), Sullivan (Back Surgery; IR), Nichol (Broken Finger; Out)