Predators down Red Wings to advance

The Nashville Predators defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 to win their NHL first-round playoff series four games to one. Detroit native David Legwand and Alexander Radulov each had a goal and an assist for the Predators, who delivered their best performance of the series to wrap it up on home ice. Jiri Hudler scored Detroit's goal as the Red Wings exited in the first round for the first time since 2006. Goalie Pekka Rinne made 21 saves for Nashville, who became the first team to advance in this post-season. Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard made 23 stops in the defeat. The Predators broke a 1-1 tie 13 seconds into the third period. Radulov took the puck into Detroit's zone. Red Wings defenders knocked the puck away from him, but it came to Legwand, who beat Howard. Radulov had scored his first goal of the playoffs to put Nashville on top late in the first period. Detroit pulled level with 6:15 remaining in the second when Valtteri Filppula sent the puck toward the net. It hit the skate of Nashville's Roman Josi and Hudler was able to push it across.