Game Preview: Predators

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The Predators, who beat Los Angeles in overtime 4-3 Saturday, are 4-4-2 in the second half of back-to-back games this season. Nashville is 2-2 against the Wings, after last month's 8-0 win over Detroit. The Predators have one win in their past nine regular-season trips to Detroit. The Wings are 3-2 in their past five games and are coming off a 2-0 loss to the New York Islanders. Prior to Saturday's games, Detroit forward Pavel Datsyuk was tied for fourth in the NHL with 89 points (30 goals, 59 assists). Chris Osgood (24-7-7, 3.15 goals against average and .885 save percentage) is expected to start in goal for the Wings.

Red Wings injuries. D Andreas Lilja (concussion) is out.

Predators injuries. RW Ryan Jones (upper body) is questionable; C David Legwand (cheek), RW Wade Belak (lower body) and C Jason Arnott (concussion) are out.

 

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How should the Red Wings handle their goaltending situation in the playoffs?




I?m not sure if Mike Babcock had a written plan for the 2008 playoffs or not. But he should do the exact same thing in 2009. Same results? Who knows? But that?s exactly what I would do.

Go with your No. 1 ? last year Dominik Hasek, this year Chris Osgood. And then see what happens. If Osgood is strong, which I imagine he will be, you ride him. If he falters, you go to Ty Conklin and then see how that goes. That has to be Babcock?s plan and I?d imagine both goaltenders know that?s the case, even if it hasn?t been spelled out to them.

Osgood is certainly an enigmatic figure here in Detroit. Fans love to doubt him and bash him, and then when he comes through, they like to claim that they had his back the entire time. The same story will be repeated this season if Osgood comes through the way he has in the past. Someone actually called Mickey Redmond back in October to ask if he thought that the Wings could win a Stanley Cup with Osgood as the goaltender. Ummmm ? he just did. And yes, he can again despite all the doubters.

The defense has to be better. And if it is, then Osgood will be fine. And if he?s not, Babcock will not hesitate to go to Conklin. And if Conklin falters, then the Wings will be in serious trouble in no matter what series they?re in.

--Detroit Free Press