NASHVILLE, April 20 (UPI) -- David Legwand's goal 13 seconds into the third period Friday gave the Nashville Predators a 2-1 triumph over Detroit and their second ever playoff series win.
The Predators eliminated the 11-time Stanley Cup champion Red Wings in five games and reached the Western Conference semifinals for the second time in as many years.
Nashville lost the first five playoff series in franchise history before winning in the opening round last season against Anaheim. The Predators then fell to Vancouver.
Nashville's second-round opponent this year has yet to be determined.
The Predators became the first team to advance in this year's playoffs, doing so thanks in large part to outstanding goaltending from Pekka Rinne. He made 21 saves Friday and allowed only nine goals in the series to a team that averaged 3.02 goals per contest during the regular season.
Alexander Radulov gave Nashville the lead with 3:50 to go in the first period and Jiri Hudler tied it midway through the second.
Legwand's goal early in the third stunned the Red Wings, who were eliminated in the opening round for the first time in six years.
Jimmy Howard made 23 saves for Detroit, which was appearing the playoffs for the 20th time in 21 seasons.
