Every successive game in a playoff series becomes the most important game of that series and this is no exception. Friday’s Game 2 had the Wings take control of home ice and tie things up, making this the first battle to hold on to that home ice and the one where they have the opportunity to take control of the series.
For the Predators, they face the challenge of winning a playoff game at Joe Louis Arena for the first time on their seventh try. With the momentum nominally on the Wings’ side, they’re closer to the edge of disaster and need a win to ensure they don’t go down 2-1 to such a strong home team, with the spectre of a 3-1 deficit looming Tuesday.
Keys to the game for the Predators:
- Go to the Net: They did this a ton Friday night, but weren’t as effective as they could have been. If they’re in the crease constantly, that can only help them.
- Solve the Power Play: The Wings’ PK has been a major difference in the series, forcing the Predators to leave a lot of golden opportunities on the table. They need to find a way to crack that nut today and take advantage of inevitable Detroit penalties.
- Rinne: Game 2 wasn’t his best outing. The Predators will have success today if he plays out of his mind.
Looks like there may be lineup changes for the Predators today, but no word on what exactly yet. The author there suggests Jordin Tootoo, which would make sense.
Hal Gill did not skate yesterday, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ still out.
I already went over the stakes for the Wings above. They’ve improved as the series has gone on and that rule needs to apply today as well. This has to be their best playoff effort yet this year.
Keys to the game for the Wings:
- Puck Security: Especially in their own zone. They’ve been too free with the puck and too frazzled by the Predators forecheck. Better exit structure and crisper passing have to be the order of the day. There may be some difficulty with the ice since there was an unfortunate Nickelback concert at the Joe last night, but here’s hoping it’s not as choppy as Nashville’s. Whatever the ice is like, own the puck.
- Special Teams & Beyond: My guess is the PK can’t kill off every penalty forever (obviously). If the Predators do break through today, it can’t act as a dam breaking. And the power play needs to click.
- Datsyuk: Calling him out. He’s been close throughout the series, but it’d really help if he breaks through today.
Ian White didn’t skate yesterday, but is supposed to play. He took a shot off his skate in Game 2. Everybody else skated in a standard practice following the win and late flight home. Unless White’s not okay, there should be no lineup changes.
Tim Peel and Steve Kozari are the refs today. No change to the TV crew even though the game is on The Real NBC.
This one should be fun.