x

Already member? Login first!

Comments / New

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room: Predators 3, Blackhawks 2

Posted on by Mil Savich

The Blackhawks closed out a two-game series against the Predators with a 3-2 loss on Sunday night at the United Center, Chicago’s second consecutive loss to Nashville and fourth in four games against the Predators this season.

The Predators opened the scoring with Viktor Arvidsson’s shot attempt from below the goal line, which deflected off of Cavlin de Haan and into the net.

After a bit of back-and-forth, Nashville set up an extended shift in the offensive zone which led to their second goal of the night: a deflection off of Calle Jarnkrok.

After an uneventful second period, the Blackhawks finally found the back of the net midway through the third period, thanks to Alex DeBrincat’s wrist-shot from the left-wing circle.

Two minutes later, on his next shift, DeBrincat scored again, tying the game with a power move to the net.

Nashville would regain the lead after a Blackhawks turnover led to a Roman Josi goal from the slot. Josi’s goal would ultimately be the game-winner for the Predators.

Notes

  • On paper, the Blackhawks seem to have the upper hand on the Predators in terms of talent. However, the Predators caused chaos and created giveaways throughout the entire game. Despite Saturday night’s struggles, the Hawks continued to pass into the middle of the ice, which did not bode well for them. That, paired with an aggressive Nashville forecheck, created a lot of issues for the Hawks over their last two games.
  • While the shots on goal battle was much closer in this game, the Blackhawks still struggled to clear the zone and, at times, were drowning in their own end. Turnovers, bad rebounds and sloppy passing led to all three of Nashville’s goals.
  • Aside from jumbling up the lines, the Hawks did not adjust strategically over the course of the game. The only times the Blackhawks were able to create scoring chances were situations when Chicago’s skaters were in a foot race against Nashville’s players.
  • For the second night in a row, the Hawks looked flat for most of the game and only turned it on for the final ten minutes. DeBrincat, Adam Boqvist and the rest of the young core have shown their talent and have been bright spots for the Hawks. They just need to figure out how to put it all together for a full 60-minute game on a nightly basis.
  • While not perfect, the Blackhawks are getting the goaltending needed to win games. Malcolm Subban made his share of big saves over the course of the night, which allowed the Hawks to stay in the game.
  • Pius Suter factored in on both Blackhawks goals tonight. He’s starting to put things together and has been playing better between DeBrincat and Patrick Kane.
  • The Predators are a beatable team but they seem to have the Blackhawks’ number. The Hawks are now 0-2-2 against Nashville this season.
  • Tonight’s loss results in the Predators passing the Blackhawks in the division standings, ergo, knocking the Hawks out of a playoff spot. /

Game Charts

Three stars

  1. Viktor Arvidsson (NSH) – 1 goal, 1 assist
  2. Roman Josi (NSH) – 1 goal, 4 SOG
  3. Alex DeBrincat (CHI) – 2 goals, 55.56 Corsi-for percentage

What’s next

The Blackhawks will host the Hurricanes at the United Center for a 6:30pm puck drop on Tuesday.

Talking Points