The quick-strike offence struck again and the captain made his first goal of the playoffs a decisive one.

As a result, the Nashville Predators earned a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings tonight and we've got a real series on our hands.

When Pavel Datsyuk scored 40 seconds into the third period to give the Wings a 3-2 lead, many were getting ready to write the obituary. The chances of coming back from a 3-0 hole against a team as solid as the Red Wings are very slim.

But the Predators got a goal from Ryan Suter at 16:03 and nine seconds later Jason Arnott, who struggled mightily in the first two games of the series, ripped a high slapper past Dominik Hasek.

Arnott was rendered ineffective in the first two games, but had four shots and dished out three hits as he was much more involved.

His best move might have come in the third period when he smashed his composite stick in half over the bench as he showed his frustration.

A few shifts later, Arnott would be celebrating after scoring what proved to be the game-winner.

Martin Erat added an empty-netter for the Predators, who got a huge boost when David Legwand returned to the lineup after missing 14 games with a bone bruise.

Legwand scored in his first game back and gave Nashville another viable option down the middle.

Rather than voice his concerns about questionable officiating calls, Predators head coach Barry Trotz could talk about the heart and character of his team — which was quite evident, especially in that third period.

For the second time is as many games, the Predators scored two quick goals to change the complexion of the game. In Game 2 at Joe Louis Arena, Alex Radulov and Jordin Tootoo scored 11 seconds apart. Yesterday, it was Suter and Arnott scoring nine seconds apart.

The only difference was that the Predators won this time.

The challenge of coming back and winning the series against the top-seed Red Wings remains a daunting one, but the Predators are now on the board and that gives them reason to hope.