Earlier in the season the Red Wings wanted to Valtteri Filppula to play angry.
Well I’m sure if he’s playing angry, but he’s been playing extremely well the past few games.
Saturday night, Filppula scored twice, nothing his 5th point in six games as the Red Wings beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 extending their own winning streak to five games.
Aside from Filppula, Zetterberg and Dan Cleary notched goals for the Wings in the win.
However a scary moment came late in the third period for the Wings.
Center Patrick Eaves was taken off the ice on a stretcher after being struck on the right ear by a one-timer from Predators rookie Roman Josi. Eaves was making his first appearance for the Wings in five games after being a healthy scratch. No word yet on the extent of Eaves’ injury however he will remain in the hospital overnight for observation.
Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard was spectacular once again tonight. In his 15th consecutive start, Howard made 18 saves a day after beating the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in a shootout. Saturday’s win for Howard also marked the fourth time this season the Red Wings goaltender started in back-to-back games.
“I’m used to it,” Howard said. “Did it a bunch of times in college — I’ve done it several times in my short career here.
“You just have to get yourself ready. It’s no different than any other game.”
The Red Wings finished their night with 37 shots on goal and went 1/2 on the power play.
The Majors Detroit Facebook Player of the Game: Valtteri Filppula
With two goals tonight, Filppula continues his hot streak notching five points in the last six games.
The Majors Detroit’s Player of the Game: Valtteri Filppula
There is no arguing with the people on this one.
The Majors Detroit’s Zero of the Game: Predators’ offense and defense
The Preds didn’t offer too much support for goaltender Pekka Rinne on the offensive and defensive side of things.
Looking ahead
Former captain Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning come to the Joe Louis Arena on Wednesday night. Currently the Lightning are 11-9-2 with 24 points and third in the Southeast division.
The Bottom Line
Tonight may be as close to a complete effort as you’re going to get from the Wings. They killed off Nashville power play’s, capitalized on their own power play chances, peppered Rinne with a ton of offense and had a very good defensive effort.
Ref: Mlive.com, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, AP (image)