Even though the Blackhawks are part of the NHL’s elite, the Predators have had some success against them this season, taking two of the three previous decisions. Following an impressive offensive outburst in Calgary, Nashville hoped the scoring bug would be in full force against the league’s most powerful team.
Not only did the Predators muster a little bit of offense, they kept the Hawks in check for the entire night, handing them only their second shutout of the entire season. Pekka Rinne stopped 29 shots en route to the win.
Random Observations
- Taking a look at Extra Skater tonight, it makes Rinne’s performance even more impressive. The Hawks proved how great of a puck possession team they are by controlling most of the game and getting almost 70% of the games shot attempts toward Pekks. He didn’t let anything get through. After his last two starts, that’s exactly the type of performance he needed. Bravissimo.
- Filip Forsberg only had 7:59 of ice time tonight, with no shots on goal and 2 PIMs. I guess Trotz is easing him in to the lineup. Yeah, that’s why he’s on the fourth line.
- What a shot by Ryan Ellis and what a deflection by Mike Fisher. That was just a hard working goal all around.
- Calle Jarnkrok got another assist tonight on a fantastic shot by Gabriel Bourque. I really like the way this kid has played so far, and I really hope they decided to keep him up for the rest of the season.
That’s three of the four games against Chicago this season that Nashville has taken. It feels pretty good considering how the rest of it has gone. The next time will be the final game of the regular season, when Chicago will have their mind on the playoffs starting. Maybe the Preds can take advantage that and end the season with a big, fat win.
Boxscore – Game Summary – Event Summary – Fancy Stats
Roll the video highlights…