Marek Zidlicky scored the game's only goal and Niklas Backstrom had his fifth shutout of the season Tuesday in Minnesota's 1-0 win over Boston. Backstrom, who made 28 saves, recorded his second consecutive blanking for the Wild, who have won three of four.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marek Zidlicky and Steve Sullivan each scored twice to give the in-form Nashville Predators a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals in National Hockey League play Wednesday in Washington.

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings suddenly figured out a way to create enough space to let their skill shine. Pavel Datsyuk's dazzling passes set up two goals before seven minutes elapsed and the Red Wings went on to beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 Thursday night to take a 3-2 series lead.