SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Rather than complain about getting shafted by the schedule maker, the Detroit Red Wings were eager to start the next round of the playoffs.

The feeling is that momentum compensates for short rest, so playing San Jose on Thursday, just two days after

, was not a concern.

"I like the quick turnaround. Let's get at it right away,'' forward Todd Bertuzzi said. "Obviously, they're a tough opponent. We've had some really good games against them. It's going to be another tough task.''

The NHL was forced to start the series Thursday because HP Pavilion is hosting concerts by the Eagles on Friday and Saturday.

Asked about the challenge of making a quick turnaround, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said, "It's way better than the challenge of not playing.''

He also noted that having two days off before Game 2 on Sunday will help his team re-energize.

The Sharks will have had three days off after eliminating Colorado on Sunday.

"They're well-rested,'' Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "Hopefully, the emotion of Game 7 carries over for us.''

Another day or two off would have been more important if the Red Wings had any injuries.

"Against Pittsburgh last year (in the Stanley Cup finals), we weren't that healthy (going in), we could have used a few extra days,'' Dan Cleary said. "It's the playoffs, we're going to be ready, we got momentum.

"(Tuesday) wasn't a hard game. For a period and a half, it was hard. The rest of it was pretty easy for a playoff game.''

That enabled Babcock to trim the minutes of some top players in the third period.

"It helped late in the game not to be forced to protect the lead and play your top players,'' Lidstrom said. "They had a chance to rest. That's good when you're moving on.''