Predators at Red Wings
THE STORY: Now that they have set the NHL record for most consecutive home wins, the league-leading Detroit Red Wings hope to avoid a letdown Friday when they continue their six-game homestand against the Nashville Predators. Detroit posted its 21st straight victory at Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday against Dallas, eclipsing the previous mark shared by the 1929-30 Boston Bruins and 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers. Nashville, which has lost three in a row on the road and four of six overall, will attempt to hand the Red Wings their first home loss since Calgary recorded a 4-1 triumph in Motown on Nov. 3.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Tennessee (Nashville), FSN Plus (Detroit)
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (33-18-6): Nashville has been dominant against Central Division rivals of late, winning 11 of its last 12 matchups. Pekka Rinne has won 21 of his last 26 decisions, raising his season total to 31 victories. He is one behind injured Red Wings All-Star Jimmy Howard for the league lead. All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter scored his seventh goal of the season in Tuesday's win over Chicago. He is one tally shy of his career high set in 2006-07.
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (39-17-2): Detroit, which owns an astounding 24-2-1 record at home, has won four straight and 13 of 16 overall. Henrik Zetterberg's offensive surge has been put on pause as the Swede will miss Friday's contest with a lower-body injury. Zetterberg has scored a goal in three of his last four games and registered nine points in six matches. Howard is tentatively scheduled to return from his broken finger Sunday against San Jose but could even face the Predators.
OVERTIME:
1. The Predators are 11-32-2 in their last 45 visits to the Motor City but has won three of the last five.
2. Detroit's Jiri Hudler has 18 goals thus far this campaign, five shy of his career high set in 2008-09 but eight more than last season's total.