Predators-Red Wings: Composure Still an Issue for Detroit

While the largely inexperienced Pittsburgh Penguins were wrapping up their four game sweep of the Ottawa Senators, the veteran laden Detroit Red Wings were reeling from another quick 1-2 punch delivered by the Nashville Predators.

For the third time in as many games the Wings allowed two goals in less than 35 seconds. With a roster that features more collective Stanley Cup rings than some Nashville skaters have postseason games, it's surprising to see Detroit unravel so easily.

The Red Wings and their fans have experienced almost every conceivable playoff scenario over the past 15 years. From crushing defeats to uplifting victories the rollercoaster that is the Detroit Red Wings has been anything but boring. However, the Wings total lack of composure should come as a surprise to even the most stout follower. What's the chances that Detroit coach, Mike Babcock, campaigns for more than one time-out per game? The way his team has been playing he'll need at least one per period. Or more intermissions.

Whether it's fair or not, eventually the finger must be pointed towards Babcock. Line changes and strategy aside, it's he that must keep his team cool under fire. One wouldn't think that necessary with a club that features proven winners such as Nick Lidstrom and Chris Chelios. Yet, that's where the Red Wings sit.

After Nashville defenders Dan Hamhuis and Shea Weber scored 32 seconds apart in the opening period, Detroit was lucky to be down by only two goals after twenty minutes of play.

In the second stanza, Nashville continued their strong play keeping the Wings on their heels until Predators defenseman Marik Zidlicky took a slashing penalty five minutes into the stanza. 

While on the powerplay, Pavel Datsyuk took a nice cross-ice pass from Brian Rafalski and out-waited Nashville goaltender, Dan Ellis, before sliding the puck between his legs cutting the Preds lead to one. The smattering of Wings fans in attendance wouldn't be on their feet for long. Only 11 seconds after Datysuk's tally, a third Nashville defender restored the home teams two-goal lead when Greg De Vries fired a point-shot past a screened Dominik Hasek.

After allowing three goals on only 14 shots, Babcock made the decision to replace the veteran netminder with fellow 27-game winner, Chris Osgood.

The goalie change appeared to inspire Detroit with the Wings controlling the play in Nashville's end until Detroit received consecutive penalties inside two minutes of one another. With Brad Stuart in the box for slashing, veteran Wing, Kris Draper took a slashing penalty of his own after uncharacteristically retaliating from a mild shove courtesy of Shea Weber following a stoppage in play.

The Wings would kill off the 5-on-3 disadvantage and continue their strong play in the Nashville zone. Dan Ellis was equal to the task making a handful of saves preserving the two-goal lead heading into the 2nd intermission.

At the start of the third period Chris Osgood made some key stops of his own, strengthening his case to be Game 5's starter in Detroit. After stoning Predators forward Radek Bonk, the Red Wings came right back into Nashville's end. Retaining the puck through a strong cycle, Tomas Holmstrom found Datsyuk at the left face-off circle who scored his second goal of the game over a sprawling Ellis.

With momentum swung in their favor Detroit would keep the pressure on the Predators. For long stretches at a time, it seamed as if the ice was tilted in the Nashville zone. However, despite the visiting teams best efforts the Predators, behind the stellar play of Ellis,  were able to hold on securing the 3-2 victory guaranteeing a six-game series.

Over the last 40 minutes Detroit dominated play outshooting Nashville 30-18 in the last two periods. It would also be the first time Detroit showed any hint of desperation in this first round matchup.

After squandering a 2-0 series lead the Wings will need every ounce of that desperation heading back for Friday's Game 5 in Detroit.