On Friday night, the Nashville Predators showed a small glimpse of early season success as they thumped the Blackhawks 6-2.
During the first period, Nashville got another early lead. At 02:47, Colin Wilson scored his third of the playoffs to give the Preds a 1-0 lead. Chicago was able to tie the game up at 16:13 when Patrick Sharp got one passed Pekka Rinne.
It seemed as though the game would be tied going into the second period, but Roman Josi scored with four seconds remaining to give Nashville the 2-1 lead.
The second period was a Key to Watch going into the game. The Predators were able to keep up the intensity with the Blackhawks. At 10:32, Patrick Kane beat Pekka Rinne. Upon further review, six men were on the ice, yet the referees swallowed the whistle and the goal counted.
Craig Smith was able to respond for the Preds, at 14:54, and Nashville would go into the third period with a 3-2 lead.
Nashville would set a franchise playoff record in the third period as they scored three goals in 2:19. The scoring started at 12:41 with Filip Forsberg making a great individual effort. At 14:28, Craig Smith was able to get his secondnd goal of the game, and at 15:00, Mike Santorelli scored his first career playoff goal.
In all, Nashville played a great all-around game for a dominating win against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Now, the series turns to the United Center this afternoon.
Keys to Watch
Shea it ain’t so!!
Nashville will be without the services of their Captain for, at least, games 3 and 4. Weber went down midway during the second period of Friday night’s contest due to an apparent lower-body injury. Weber did not make the trip to Chicago, and more updates will be available upon the team’s return to Nashville on Wednesday. This is a big loss for the Preds, but not an insurmountable one. This will be the opportunity for Roman Josi, Seth Jones, Ryan Ellis, and the rest of the defensive corps to step up with the absence of their Captain.
Darling starts game 3
It was a surprise not seeing Scott Darling in goal during game 2 after his stellar performance in the double overtime slugfest of game 1. Alas, Nashville took advantage of Corey Crawford as the Preds dropped six on Chicago. Nashville will have to get lots of traffic in front of Darling with lots of pucks on the net. Screening his vision will play a significant role in the success or failures of game 3. If the Preds can get to Scott Darling early, they will have a better chance of putting big numbers up in Chicago and quieting the raucous Blackhawks crowd.
Thank you, Colin Wilson!
Colin Wilson has been a revelation so far this post season. With three goals after two games, it seems that Coach Laviolette has established his lines and has placed Wilson with the best personnel to succeed. Let’s see if Wilson can keep up this hot pace of scoring and lead Nashville past Chicago. Over the past two games, Nashville’s offense has woken up, and much credit can be given to Wilson.
The Nashville Predators will look to take a 2-1 lead in the series as they take on the Blackhawks at the United Center this afternoon. Game 3 will be shown on NBC at 2:oo pm CT. As usual, you can listen live on 102.5 The Game!
Be sure to join us for the Game 3 watch party at Nobody’s Grill located in the Clarion in Murfreesboro at I-24 and Highway 96. Lots of TVs and food specials.
