Predators Vs. Red Wings, Game 1: Nashville Holds Off Detroit, Takes 1-0 Series Lead

Predators Vs. Red Wings, Game 1: Positives, Negatives For Each Team

The Nashville Predators came out on top in Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings, but neither team was perfect in the opener.

More: Complete Predators-Red Wings series coverage

Predators Vs. Red Wings, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Predators Hang On For 3-2 Win

The Nashville Predators held off a furious late-game rally by the Detroit Red Wings for a 3-2 win to take a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference quarterfinals series.

Forward Gabriel Bourque gave the Predators a 3-1 lead with less than nine minutes to play, but an uncharacteristic Nashville parade to the penalty box gave the Red Wings ample opportunities late. An interference call on Jack Hillen was followed by a slashing penalty to give the Red Wings a two-man advantage in the final four minutes. Nashville's penalty-kill unit, playing without 6-foot-7 shot-blocker Hal Gill, killed the first penalty, but Tomas Holmstrom would score with 2:07 to play to pull Detroit to within one goal.

With goalie Jimmy Howard pulled, Martin Erat took a holding penalty with 23 seconds remaining, but the Predators were able to ice the puck and limit to Detroit to just one long-range shot that Pekka Rinne handled with ease.

For two of the least-penalized teams in the league, special teams played a surprisingly large role in the series opener. Both Red Wings goals were scored on the man advantage, with which the club played eight times on Wednesday night. The Predators had the man advantage six times, but were unable to score.

If a similar style of game plays out in Game 2 on Friday night, Nashville could be in trouble as they could be without defenseman Shea Weber, who might be subject to supplemental discipline after slamming the head of Henrik Zetterberg into the dasher in the final seconds. Weber was second on the Predators with 27:27 of ice time and played a team-high 8:28 on the penalty kill.

Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.

GIF: Shea Weber Smashes Henrik Zetterberg's Head Into The Glass

Darren Helm Takes Skate To Wrist, Leaves Game For Hospital

Predators Vs. Red Wings, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 1: Predators Take One-Goal Lead Into Third Period

Forward Matt Halischuk's goal at the 12:29 mark of the second period has the Nashville Predators taking a one-goal lead into the third period of Game One of their Western Conference quarterfinals series against the Detroit Red Wings.

Center Paul Gaustad opened the scoring six minutes and 59 seconds into the action, when his wrister deflected off Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart's skate and behind goaltender Jimmy Howard. Brandon Yip and Francis Bouillon were credited with assists on the goal, which was Gaustad's first with the Predators, who acquired him at the trade deadline.

Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg tied the score at 1-1 when he scored an unassisted power play goal 2:29 into the period. The goal was Zetterberg's 50th career playoff goal and 100th career playoff point. Halischuk's goal, which could be changed to credit Gabriel Bourque, who appeared to touch the puck before it went into the net, came exactly 10 minutes later.

Detroit controlled much of the action in the second period, outshooting the Predators 12 to five to pull just about even in that department, with Nashville holding an 18-17 edge in shots on goal. Nashville also has a 21-18 edge on faceoffs and are narrowly outhitting the Red Wings, 17-16.

Special-teams play continues to be the story of the night. Nashville and Detroit were the two least-penalized teams in the league, but Nashville has had six power-play opportunities (0-for-6), while the Red Wings are 1-for-4 with the man advantage.

Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.

Gabriel Bourque Hits Ian White In First Questionable Check Of 2012 NHL Playoffs

Darren Helm Set To Return For Detroit Red Wings In Game 1 Vs. Predators

The Detroit Red Wings will be a bit healthier heading into Game 1 of their playoff series with the Nashville Predators. Head coach Mike Babcock said Wednesday from Bridgestone Arena that forward Darren Helm will be back in the lineup for the Western Conference Quarterfinal series opener.

"He puts everybody else in the right spot," Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. "We had a great bottom six all year long, and then we lost our people. We had no bottom six; we had no support scoring. It's amazing when you put people in the right spot."

Helm hasn't played since March 17 after suffering a knee sprain. He'll likely play alongside Danny Cleary and Drew Miller in Game 1 while also picking up some ample penalty killing time.

Stick with SBNation.com for full coverage of the Red Wings vs. Predators series. For more from the Detroit perspective, check in with SB Nation Detroit and Winging It In Motown.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Red Wings Vs. Predators Game 1: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

The Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators have been nearly inseparable all season, so their playoff series should be a close one.