Detroit scored three power-play goals, two by Johan Franzen, and held off a third-period Nashville rally, to win 4-3 at Joe Louis Arena. Dominik Hasek stopped a breakaway with two minutes left to clinch the victory, reports the AP. Five-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom returned to the Wings' lineup after missing six games with a knee injury. He had two assists.
Brad Stuart also scored for Detroit, his first since being acquired from the LA Kings at the trading deadline. The Red Wings have all but sewn up the Central Division title and put a dent in the Predators' hopes for the playoffs. Nashville, whose three goals were scored in the final nine minutes, currently sits ninth in the Western Conference. (More hockey stories.)