Today the NHL has released it's playoff schedule and the Detroit Red Wings will begin the quest for cup #12 in Nashville...that's right...the city of BBQ and country music will be hosting a storied franchise like the Wings for playoff hockey!
It seems hockey though is catching on in the music city with a record for Nashville..23 home games have been sold out. The team started up in the 98-99 season and haven't looked back since. The Preds at home this season have been solid with a 26-10-5 record. The Wings record against the Predators this season has been 3-3-0 with the Wings only winning once in Nashville.
Every die hard Wings fan was hoping for home ice for the playoffs as the team has been dismal this season on the road. 17-21-3 is not going to give the faithful much confidence but like many say the "REAL" or "Second" season begins Wednesday.
For the The Wings to win this series and they will...they will need big games from Johan Franzen, Danny Cleary and when ready to come back Darrin Helm. I expect to see Mule and even Jiri Hudler to have a breakout playoff series against the Predators. They have to!! This could possibly be the last time we could see Capt. Lidstrom and even long timer Holmstrom.
Another question mark with the Wings going into this series is starting goaltender Jimmy Howard. Since returning from a finger injury he has been 3-6-3 in 13 games since his return and what about the groin injury?
Here is why the Wings will win the series...experience! Who has more playoff experience the Lidstrom, Holmstrom, The Euro twins and Bertuzzi? The Wings will have to play tough on the road and coach Babcock is welcoming the trip to Nashville...while still some of the faithful are keeping fingers crossed and whatever hockey superstition they believe in close to them. Wings in 6 games...not going to be easy but the boys will get it done. Till next time...see ya at rinkside!
Rick Solis
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