Four Second-Period Goals Lead Red Wings over Predators

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18 years ago

The Detroit Red Wings scored four times in the second period Wednesday night, completing a come-from-behind victory over the Central Division-leading Nashville Predators.

With the Red Wings trailing 2-1 entering the middle frame, Henrik Zetterberg spun through the right circle and put a backhander through Nashville goalie Tomas Vokoun and into the net just 1:32 in.

The goal was Zetterberg’s second of the night and the second questionable goal Vokoun gave up, leading to his early exit as Chris Mason replaced him in the Nashville crease.

Dan Hamhuis put the Predators back out in front just 53 seconds later with a long wrist shot that evaded defenders and attacking forwards alike before slipping past Detroit netminder Dominik Hasek.

With 7:38 remaining in the period and the Red Wings on a power play that saw them in full control of the puck, Pavel Datsyuk threaded a pass to Nicklas Lidstrom in the slot to redirect the puck past Mason and even things up again.

Jiri Hudler gave Detroit the lead 1:54 later, rifling a high wrist shot into the net for his second goal in as many games.

With 1:00 remaining in the period, Tomas Holmstrom added what would become an insurance goal with a wrist shot from the slot.

Neither team scored in the third period as the Red Wings preserved their lead to earn the win.

The Predators had gotten on the board early with Greg Zanon’s first career goal at 6:35 of the opening period.

Zetterberg’s first of the night tied things back up 50 seconds later but Jordin Tootoo gave Nashville the lead after 20 minutes on a tip-in goal with 5:08 remaining in the first.

Hasek made 14 saves on 17 shots on the night, while Vokoun stopped six of eight shots against and Mason went 16-for-19.

Each team had two power plays, with Detroit picking up the lone goal with the extra attacker.

The Red Wings will be back in action on Friday when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets, who host Nashville on Thursday night.

Hudler’s goal was his second game-winning goal in as many games.