In another important game against a Central Division opponent, the Blackhawks couldn’t find a way to win.
After falling behind 3-0 after one period, the Blackhawks made it interesting before a pair of empty-net goals gave the Predators a 5-2 win on Thursday at United Center.
How it happened
First, Viktor Arvidsson picked up one of the easiest goals his career when Roman Josi dangled through multiple checks and flipped a backhand shot that bounced off Arvidsson on its way into the net.
Then Colin Blackwell scored …
And then Matt Duchene scored …
And the Blackhawks entered the first intermission trailing 3-0.
Chicago didn’t go away quietly, though. In the second period, Dominik Kubalik — who was one of the Blackhawks most noticeable players all game — put the Hawks on the board at the 6:43 mark of the second period with this snipe:
Then, in the third period, the Blackhawks went on a power play against one of the league’s worst penalty kills and — in a rather stunning turn of events — converted! Alex DeBrincat’s nifty stickwork in the slot opened up half the net for a backhand goal.
Despite owning the play for much of the third period, though, the Blackhawks could not find the equalizer. Nick Bonino scored one empty-net goal and then Rinne — from behind his own net — added a second for the final goal of the game.
Once again, in another crucial game — facing a divisional opponent that’s one point ahead in the standings, one of the three teams that the Blackhawks need to leap if they’re going to steal a playoff spot — the Blackhawks come up short. It’s been the same story for the last few seasons: whenever the Blackhawks need a vital win, they don’t get it.
Game Charts
Three Stars
- Pekka Rinne (NSH) — 31 saves, 1 G
- Roman Josi (NSH) — 1 A, 3 SOG
- Dominik Kubalik (CHI) — 1 G
What’s next?
The Blackhawks end their four-game homestand against the Ducks on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. from the United Center.