Darren McCarty scored just 2:26 into the game and Dominik Hasek had 15 of his 25 saves in the first period as the Red Wings defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 to take a 2-0 series lead. Tomas Holmstrom scored a goal and added an assist and defenseman Brian Rafalski added two assists in the victory.

Nashville started Saturday's matinee affair with a strong first period and outshot Detroit 15-11. It was the Red Wings, however, who scored the only goal when McCarty slammed home a rebound of a Mark Hartigan shot for his first goal in his second stint as a Red Wing. Hasek was outstanding in the opening frame to thwart the Nashville attack.

Detroit took a 2-0 lead just 39 seconds into the second period when defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom's shot from the point beat goaltender Dan Ellis due to a fantastic screen by Holmstrom at the top of the crease.

The lead would disappear just 1:51 later following a freak play and a defensive breakdown. A Nashville dump-in ricocheted off a stantion and out between the faceoff circles. Hasek left the net to play the dump-in, leaving a gaping net for Alexander Radulov to cut the lead to 2-1. Jordin Tootoo tied the game just 11 seconds later when Andreas Lilja misplayed the puck and allowed Tootoo to skate around him. Tootoo's low, quick shot beat Hasek between the pads.

Head coach Mike Babcock called a time out after the very next shift left the Red Wings hemmed in their own end as the Predators showed renewed life. Babcock settled the team down and it showed on the next shift, when Kris Draper's shot from the top of the circles deflected of Predator defenseman Greg Zanon's skate and past Ellis to give Detroit a 3-2 lead at the five-minute mark of the period.

The two clubs settled down after the scoring flurry to open the period and Detroit finished 14-5.

Holmstrom closed out the scoring with his first of the playoffs midway though the third period on a rebound. Detroit outshot Nashville 13-7 in the third for a game total of 38-27.

The Red Wings finished 1 for 6 on the power play. Nashville finished 1 for 5.

Game 3 is Monday night in Nashville at the Sommet center. The puck drops shortly after 7:30pm.