DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators are fighting over second place in the Central Division.
They are fighting over fourth place in the Western Conference, too. It's also a battle for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
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Detroit currently has the one point lead over Nashville.
Obviously, Friday's game is more than just the sixth and final meeting between the teams this season. It has important consequences as the regular season edges closer to its end.
The Red Wings (46-26-5) have had a rough past month plagued with injuries throughout the lineup. Good news: All-Star goalie Jimmy Howard will return to the crease on Friday for Detroit. Ty Conklin will back him up.
Moreover, it appears the team is getting healthier, just in time to get prepared for April .
The Predators (44-25-8) were looking to leap ahead of Detroit this week but instead were blanked 3-0 in St. Louis on Tuesday. Detroit didn't do themselves any favors on Wednesday when they let the league's worst team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, top them 4-2.
Friday's game offers two vital points, and neither team will want to see it go to overtime.
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
The Florida Panthers visit Joe Louis Arena on Sunday afternoon.
