DETROIT — This was a totally different looking Red Wings team Saturday at Little Caesars Arena.

Led by a terrific 40-save performance by goaltender Cam Talbot, and a sturdier defensive game, the Red Wings won their first game of the season, 3-0 over the Nashville Predators.

J.T. Compher, Andrew Copp and Dylan Larkin (empty net) supplied the offense as the Wings evened their record at 1-1-0 and put the LCA crowd in a much better mood than in Thursday's opener.

Compher deflected Ben Chiarot's shot past goaltender Juuse Saros at 1:02 of the second period. The play was reviewed — Compher's stick was high on the deflection — but it was deemed a good goal.

Copp gave the Wings important cushion with his first goal at 6:35 of the third period. From near the goal line, Copp lifted the puck toward Saros, who was scrambling in his crease, and the puck snuck behind the goaltender.

The Wings failed to convert on two power plays, but killed all three Nashville opportunities.

Talbot, in his first start for the Wings, was the difference. Talbot stopped 16 shots in the first period, setting the tone for a successful debut.

Already without defenseman Jeff Petry (upper body) who is out day-to-day, Christian Fischer suffered an upper-body injury in the second period and didn't return.

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