April 11, 2004

Tomas Vokoun was spectacular, stopping 41 shots, and Adam Hall scored the game-winning goal with just 15 seconds left in the first period as the Nashville Predators knocked off the rival Detroit Red Wings, 3-1, to claim the first playoff victory in franchise history in front of a rocking sell-out crowd at the Sommet Center.

"To get the first win for the team in the playoffs was special.," Vokoun said. "Anybody who was here felt the energy," Vokoun said. "The fans were unbelievable. It was the best moment since I've been in Nashville."

The Predators were outshot 42-21, but Vokoun was masterful, stopping 22 shots in the third period alone. David Legwand got the scoring started with a shorthanded marker at 18:23 of the opening frame, and Scott Hartnell added an insurance marker at 16:03 of the third. 

"Vokoun played unbelievable," Detroit goalie Manny Legace said. "He stood on his head and stole the game."

The victory paved the way for another just two nights later, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2 heading back to the Motor City.

"Obviously, this was an important game," head coach Barry Trotz said. "Detroit is a veteran team, and they wanted to put a nail in the coffin today, and we didn't let them."