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Rinne, Predators look for fourth straight win

Feb 28, 2009 - 11:15 AM Detroit (41-13-8) at Nashville (30-28-4), 8:00 p.m. EST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Rookie goaltender Pekka Rinne is keeping the Nashville Predators' playoff hopes alive.

Looking for a fourth straight victory, Rinne and the Predators host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Finn, who has surrendered just four total goals in Nashville's current run, shined in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.

Rinne, the starter for the Rookies in the YoungStars Game as part of the festivities during All-Star Weekend last month, will likely face another netminder coming off a strong outing.

Chris Osgood made 30 saves and Tomas Kopecky scored a key goal early in the third period as the Red Wings posted a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday.

Osgood has maintained a respectable record despite struggling this season. The 36-year-old has posted a 19-5-7 mark but entered Friday with a 3.29 goals-against average.

A 14-year veteran with three Stanley Cup rings, Osgood - who has been getting challenged by Ty Conklin for the starting job - had allowed three or more goals in nine of his previous 10 appearances.

By shining in his first start since a 6-5 shootout loss to Colorado on February 15, Osgood may have earned coach Mike Babcock's trust for this contest.

Detroit has won two in a row and four of five.