Red Wings Vs. Predators: Detroit Meets Nashville In Possible Playoff Preview

Friday night's game between the fourth seeded Detroit Red Wings and their fellow mid-seeded Division rivals the Nashville Predators could be a playoff preview with the St. Louis Blues running away with the Central.

Detroit may have the upper hand with all of the players they've been getting back from injury lately. Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk among others returned for the home and home against the Columbus Blue Jackets that Detroit split. Being at home should also be a boost to Detroit, who have been absolutely terrible away from the Joe recently.

Ty Conklin could start his fifth straight game for Detroit with Jimmy Howard and Joey MacDonald being two of the still outstanding injuries for the Wings. Nothing is set in stone though, and Howard in particular has a chance to be back between the pipes for the game.

The game will be at Joe Louis Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET.

For more on the Detroit Red Wings, check out Winging It In Motown. For more on the Nashville Predators, head over to On The Forecheck.