Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Out of the frying pan...
On the heels of a lopsided defeat from one of the league's best teams, the Predators return home to host Central division leaders, the Chicago Blackhawks.
Well, we finally get to find out if the Nashville Predators were able to keep the red out. After 17 days on the road, the Preds play in Bridgestone Arena for the first time this month as the Chicago Blackhawks, (and presumably, tons of their fans) come to town.
Nashville was only able to muster two wins on their road trip. Chicago, on the other hand, has won their last four games.
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The Stats
| Chicago Blackhawks | Nashville Predators | |||
| Record | 13-2-4 | 5th | 8-9-2 | 22nd |
| GF/Game | 3.58 | 1st | 2.05 | 25th |
| GA/Game | 2.68 | 17th | 3.10 | 26th |
| 5-on-5 Close SF/60 | 35.4 | 1st | 29.2 | 15th |
| 5-on-5 Close SA/60 | 25.5 | 5th | 29.5 | 14th |
| Fenwick Close | 57.90 | 1st | 49.70 | 16th |
| 5-on-5 Close Save % | .926 | 12th | .913 | 22nd |
| 5-on-4 GF/60 | 8.9 | 3rd | 5.8 | 18th |
| # of PP's/Gm | 3.47 | 16th | 3.11 | 26th |
| 4-on-5 GA/60 | 11.6 | 30th | 7.1 | 21st |
| # of PK's/Gm | 2.84 | 2nd | 3.53 | 15th |
The Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are fresh off a shootout win against the Phoenix Coyotes. The quality of their opponents has varied over the past few weeks, but they are riding high at 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.
Most recently, they reacquired Kris Versteeg from the Florida Panthers, to help bolster their already impressive lineup. Versteeg, who was a member of the 2010 Cup-winning team, only has two goals and five assists this year. As a former 20-goal scorer, he could very well get some of his scoring touch back playing with some of his old mates.
The Nashville Predators
It was the same story last night. The Predators start out the game in promising fashion, only to watch it slip away faster than you can blink. To be fair, not many people gave them much of a chance, even with PIttsburgh struggling.
At this point, it seems pretty clear that this team is in enormous trouble. Even if Pekka Rinne were between the pipes, even he wouldn't be able to totally stop this team from imploding night after night. It seems more of an issue with the way the team is put together and how it is run. I wonder if there is anyone responsible for that?
FS-TN has the broadcast at the comfortable time of 7:00 p.m. CST. May God have mercy on our souls.
More from On the Forecheck:
- Bridgestone Arena Bag Policy: Be Prepared
- Pittsburgh Penguins 4, Nashville Predators 1: I Blame the Media
- Nashville Predators News: Filip Forsberg Recalled From Milwaukee, Taylor Beck Sent Down
- Who Gets the Blame? David Poile, or Barry Trotz?
- Nashville Predators Trade Rumors: Could Jonas Hiller Save the Preds?/