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NHL on NBC: Predators, Red Wings fight for series edge in Game 3

Shea Weber

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 13: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena on April 13, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Red Wings are a modern dynasty -- a perennial contender that finds a way to stay competitive through wise draft picks, disciplined trades and savvy free agent signings.

Essentially, Detroit is the franchise Nashville wants to become...but the Red Wings have one element that the Predators lack.

Detroit has developed a reputation for success, helping them to convince their stars to take hometown discounts. It allows them keep their core intact, and it’s something the Predators have to be envious of as Ryan Suter’s contract nears its end.

That said, the Predators could one day gain this reputation as well -- but first, they have demonstrate they can be successful in the playoffs. One first round series win in the history of their franchise (against Anaheim last year) isn’t going to cut it.

A good way to change their reputation is to defeat the Red Wings this round. To do that, they’ll need to beat Detroit at least once at Joe Louis Arena -- and that’s no small task.

Detroit was 31-7-3 at home in the regular season and won a record-breaking 23 straight games on home ice. Of course, this is the playoffs and while those numbers serve to demonstrate the enormity of the Predators’ task, Detroit will need more than just history on their side to make it past the first round.

If there’s one thing the Red Wings have in abundance, its history, but it’s the Predators, with the building blocks of their first potential dynasty seemingly on the line, that need these wins more in order to secure their future.

Game 3 Notes:

-- Nashville had a league-leading 21.6% power-play success rate in the regular season, but they are 0-for-12 with the man advantage in this playoff series.

-- Speaking of the man advantage, Detroit was one of the most disciplined teams in the league during the regular season, but they just can’t stay out of the box against Nashville.

-- Alexander Radulov is still a big X-factor. He has one assist in two games, but could break out at any time.

-- Nashville outshot the Red Wings 21-9 in the final 40 minutes of Game 2 and outscored them 2-1 over that span. Will that momentum carry over into Game 3?