ESPN NHL

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- The Detroit Red Wings hope to get another lift from goaltender Curtis Joseph Saturday afternoon when they visit the Nashville Predators in Game Six of the Western Conference quarterfinals.

Before the season, Joseph was not expected to be Detroit's starter as Dominik Hasek came out of retirement. But Hasek's groin injury elevated Joseph to the starting position.

However, a nagging ankle injury limited Joseph to just 31 games during the regular season and he did not start in the first four games as Manny Legace played well. But Legace was pulled in Game Four and Joseph got the call for Game Five.

Faced with a potential elimination game in Nashville, Joseph made 19 saves to lead the Red Wings to a 4-1 win Thursday at Detroit.

"I'm very happy the way this one went," Joseph said Thursday. "My whole goal (after suffering an ankle injury) was to rehab and be available if they needed me, and if they did, hopefully play well."

Joseph also had a somewhat easy night. The Red Wings got goals on Tomas Vokoun as Henrik Zetterberg and Brett Hull scored before Nashville registered a shot on goal.

WHO'S HOT:

Detroit - Joseph made his first start since March 20 and made 19 saves; The penalty-killing unit has killed 23 of 24 power plays during the series

Nashville - Despite losing Game Five, Vokoun has allowed just 10 goals and only one on home ice.

WHO'S NOT:

Detroit - Ray Whitney has not recorded a point and has a minus-5 rating.

Nashville - Scott Walker led the team in points during the regular season but has just one assist; Kimmo Timonen has not registered a point in the series and also leads the team with 10 penalty minutes.

STREAKS: Joseph picked up his first playoff victory for the Red Wings and first since May 25, 2002 for Toronto.

HISTORY: The Red Wings have not won a playoff series by a coach other than Scotty Bowman since 1993.

LEADERS:

Detroit - Robert Lang, two goals; Pavel Datsyuk three assists.

Nashville - Adam Hall and Vladimir Orszagh two goals; Jason York three assists.

INJURIES:

Detroit - Mark Mowers (foot), Jason Woolley (back).

Nashville - Marek Zidlicky (upper body) Rem Murray (neck).