ESPN NHL

Detroit (37-13-5) at Nashville (33-17-6) 8:00 pm EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) - Henrik Zetterberg and the Detroit Red Wings can exact a measure of revenge against the Nashville Predators when the Central Division rivals meet at Gaylord Entertainment Center in the finale of a home-and-home series Thursday.

The Predators climbed into a virtual tie with the Red Wings atop the division standings by sweeping a two-game series in Detroit on January 23-24.

But the clubs have headed in separate directions since then with the Red Wings winning five of six contests to build a seven-point advantage over the Predators, who have dropped five of seven.

Zetterberg has been an offensive catalyst to Detroit's recent surge, collecting three goals and six assists during his five-game points streak.

Zetterberg had a goal and two assists while Manny Legace made 20 saves to notch his 100th career victory as the Red Wings cruised to a 6-0 triumph over the Predators on Wednesday.

It was the 11th career shutout and second in as many games for Legace, who has played 165 minutes, 6 seconds without allowing a goal. The seven-year veteran received a great deal of help from his teammates on Wednesday as the Red Wings built a 4-0 lead after two periods and outshot the Predators, 20-2, in the middle session.

"The guys played a phenomenal second period, one of the better periods of the year," Legace said. "I think both (Nashville) shots were from outside the blue line. I thought we played a solid second period, that was the game right there."

With the victory, Detroit improved to 2-1-1 against Nashville this season.

"You know you're going to play (the Predators) eight times, so you know every game is important, especially at home," Zetterberg said. "You want to play good games against them. We know we have a game tomorrow, too, so we want to come out strong and finish it."

Predators coach Barry Trotz hopes his club will deliver a better effort on Thursday.

"The difference between the two teams is we were very determined coming in here for those first two games," he said. "Then we got real full of ourselves and we got away from what we do on a consistent basis."

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said he expects to face a different Nashville club.

"We'll be ready. I think you're going to see a good game," Babcock said. "But I think it will be a lot better to win. They'll have a good push. We'll have to prepare for their push early, and we'll find a way to get it done."