Chicago Blackhawks (34-16-8) @ Nashville Predators (28-28-4)

5 – 3 Loss

The Hawks travel down to Nashville for a matchup with the Predators. The Preds have gotten solid goaltending from Rinne but really lack any offensive punch. Nashville has always been a team that gives the Hawks a difficult time, and has taken 2 of 3 this season, including the Hawks disappointing home opener.

This game opened with a slow and uneventful first period. The Hawks only generated 7 shots in the first. Early on, the Predators had several scoring opportunities, but the offensive troubles for the Preds were clear. They failed to connect on one-timers, redirects and open nets. Once the Hawks found their scoring touch, they jumped out to a 3-1 lead going into the 3^rd off of goals from Byf, Havlat and Kane.

As the 3^rd opened, he Preds had good pressure and you could feel the Preds were finding their way back into this game. Just as the Hawks found their scoring touch, the Preds found theirs. After a generous penalty call on Eager, the Preds made this a game again, tying it at 3 off a slapper from ex-Hawk DuMont. As the game went on, the Hawks just seemed to weather the Preds power plays and close calls. Then, in the last 5 minutes of the game, the Hawks collapsed.

The Hawks performance was disappointing, as they were out skated by a lesser skilled team. The Predators look to be the better team and had a handful of quality scoring chances. The Hawks defense was sloppy in the third. Campbell was caught out of position on 2 of the Preds goals. On the other end, the Hawks had problems creating scoring opportunities, making it easy for Rinne and the Preds.

Now, back to the UC for some home cooking. Hawks host “Sid the Kid” on Friday.

Positives:

× Not much, the Hawks were just out played.

×

Negatives:

× The Hawks didn’t skate their best game.

× The Hawks had a 2 goal lead going into the final 20 minutes.

× 4 unanswered goals for the Preds in the 3^rd.

× The Hawks failed to finish a game that was theirs.

× As mentioned in the post game, the officiating was horrible.

Game Notes:

× None

MVB (Most Valuable Blackhawk):

× None – poor performance across the board

Next Matchup:

February 27^th, Pittsburgh Penguins @ Chicago Blackhawks

Record:

34-17-8 . . . 76 points

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020899