DETROIT — The NHL's regular season sometimes is dismissed.

The Stanley Cup playoffs often feature upsets, and recent defending champions have been getting bounced in the first round.

Detroit is desperately hoping to prove this past regular season was relevant, starting with Game 5 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at Joe Louis Arena — and winding up back there with Game 7 Friday if necessary.

"That's one of the reasons you want to finish as high as possible, to gain that home-ice advantage," Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said.

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