Pavel Datsyuk keeps the game from going into overtime at 19:54.

This is one of the few and rare times we will use a picture of the opposing team to headline our post game write-ups. However, Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk gets the rare opportunity only because he kept the game from going into overtime and sealing Detroit’s 22nd consecutive home game win. The Predators and the Red Wings both put up a tough fight, but it was Datsyuk’s 19:54 goal that saved the Red Wings in the end. Here are the highlights from last night’s game in the Motor City:

KEY POINTS:

• Patric Hornqvist has now been placed on the IR due to his upper-body injury. Brian McGrattan is also feeling the effects of his injury, finding himself once again on the scratched list. Jack Hillen was also scratched from the game also.
• Bittersweet news for the Predators on Friday as the Predators and the Montreal Canadiens came to a trade agreement. The Predators acquired defensemen Hal Gill, but for the price of a one Blake Geoffrion along with Milwaukee Admiral Robert Slaney. Along with Gill, the Predators were also given a conditional 5th round pick in this year’s draft. Gill met with his new teammates last night in Detroit, but will officially dawn the gold jersey against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.
• Both teams pushed hard in the first period, giving both goalies a run for their money. It was Johan Franzen who struck a nerve first at 12:44 with a wrist shot passed Pekka, his twenty-third goal of the season.
• The second period only produced one goal as well, but this time under the Predators’ control. At 14:58, Nick Spaling gained his ninth goal of the season with a wrist shot passed Joey MacDonald. Spals was assisted by solely by Jordin Tootoo.
• After 19 minutes of back and forth play, it seemed as if the game was going to go into overtime. Pavel Datsyuk had different intentions, tripping up the Predators, and wrist shooting one right passed Pekka to seal the 22nd consecutive home game for the Detroit Red Wings, extending their record-setting achievement. Sadly, yet another thing for Red Wing fans to run their mouths about…
• Pekka did exceptionally well, as always, blocking 29 of 31 shots on goal. Also, only one Predator found time in the penalty box, which was rookie Ryan Ellis in the 1st period with a hooking penalty.

Since the All-Star break, the Predators have been lacking just a wee bit in the winning department, still looking a little groggy from that one week of freedom. However, with the recent acquiring of veteran Hal Gill, the Predators might (and hopefully) get a good grip of playoff potential reality.

The Predators continue their trek against Western Conference rivals on Sunday against the Dallas Stars at 6PM. The Predators have not been able to take out the Stars at all this season, so a nice win in Dallas might just be what the Predators need to get back on the winning train.

Until then,
GO PREDS.