Yzerman delivers again when it counts

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

DETROIT — Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman hadn’t been heard from much during a Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Nashville Predators.

But when the games matter the most, Yzerman usually plays his best, and he had his best game of the playoffs in the Wings’ series-clinching Game 6 on Saturday at the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

Yzerman had a goal and an assist and won 12 of 13 faceoffs in the Wings’ 2-0 victory.

“It doesn’t surprise me,” Coach Dave Lewis said.

Yzerman’s goal was his 68th in the postseason, moving him past Gordie Howe atop the Wings’ career list. He also is first in points with 179.

“I knew there was something close to Gordie, but I wasn’t exactly aware,” Yzerman said. “I didn’t know the goal had any meaning.”

Lewis said he was expecting a big game from Yzerman because he saw a difference “just the last couple of days, the way he had carried himself.”

The Wings showed resolve against the Predators, taking care of business by winning two straight after the Predators tied the series at two games apiece.

“I’m encouraged by the fact we got stronger as the series went on,” Yzerman said. “You can’t shy away from the tough games, or look for an easy route to advance. When it got difficult, we settled down and just played.”