Red Wings Fall 3-2 In Playoff Opener

What could have been a great hockey game between the Red Wings and the Nashville Predators turned into a series of trips to the penalty box last night. In all, there were 17 penalties called as the Commissioner of the NHL looked on. Commissioner Gary Bettman is known for his dislike of the Red Wings and the referees supported his cause last night, keeping Detroit a man short for a good part of the game. Still, there is more to come:

Henrik Zetterburg and Tomas Holdstrom scored power play goals for Detroit, but a pair of "seeing-eye" goals by the Nashville Predators was the difference. Game #2 on Friday night gives the Wings a chance to steal home-ice advantage again, something that may prove to be everry important in this tight series.