Faceoff Factor

Red Wings vs. Predators Game 5

Justin Maffei | National Hockey League

Apr 18, 02:55 AM | Hype this story!

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Red Wings (1) vs. Predators (8) Game 5
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Series Score: Red Wings 2 – Predators 2
Game Time: 7:30 EST
Location: Joe Louis Arena (Detroit)
Television: CBC, RIS, Versus(HD)

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Preview
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The Nashville Predators have pulled into a tie with the President’s Trophy winning Detroit Red Wings. The series is 2-2 and headed back to Detroit.

The home team has won every game in this series, but Nashville hopes to change that. That will be difficult as Nashville has not won an away game in their nine game post-season history. “There’s a lot of things we have to do as a franchise and as an organization,” said Predators Coach Barry Trotz, according to The Nashville Tennesean. “One of the things we have to do is if we’re going to win this series, we have to win one in the Joe.’‘

In Game 4, Domink Hasek was beaten for three early goals. After the third goal, Hasek was removed to be replaced by Chris Osgood. Osgood was solid in relief and will get the start in Game 5. “We’ve done this all year long, and Ozzie’s been very, very good for us,” Babcock said, according to The Detroit News. “The bottom line is, Ozzie has an opportunity. Let’s see what he does with it.” Hasek was gracious when discussing being replaced in the starting line-up. “It’s disappointing, but the coaches believe they made the best decision,” Hasek said. “I feel great. I want to be ready, and if it comes to my time, I’ll be back. But right now, it’s Ozzie’s time.”

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)