UA-59049186-1 Blackhawks 3, Predators 2 - Good if it Goes

Blackhawks 3, Predators 2

Box score (Yahoo)

Whenever the Blackhawks and Predators get together, we see a tough, hard-fought game, and this one was no exception. Both teams would get some chances early on, but it would be the Blackhawks that would strike first when Artem Anisimov redirected a Duncan Keith power play shot past Pekka Rinne 13:19 in. The Hawks’ lead would last only 35 seconds, though, as Filip Forsberg would find the back of the net to tie the game. Neither team would score in the second period, though both would get some good looks. The Panthers took the lead early in the third on a power play goal by Mike Fisher. The Hawks would get their own power play a few minutes later when Craig Smith ran into Corey Crawford in the crease. The Nashville fans (the half-dozen or so in attendance, but yeah, keep that red out) weren’t too happy about the call, but it was, in fact, a penalty. (One might be able to make a case for embellishment, though.) Making the Nashville crowd angrier was the ensuing goal from Jonathan Toews, who redirected a shot from Brent Seabrook. A few minutes later, Patrick Kane would make a brilliant play on a 4-on-2, looking towards his teammates and getting Rinne to peek that way as well, then firing the shot himself into the net. The Predators would get some good looks, especially once they pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but Corey Crawford came up big and helped secure the win.

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A few things

  • Michal Kempny had a nice game. He was quite active and made a few good plays.
  • Michal Rozsival did not have a nice game. I understand why he was in the lineup – Gustav Forsling was lousy on Tuesday and Brian Campbell could probably use a night off, especially with the Hawks playing again tomorrow in Carolina. But still, oof.
  • The big news – the Hawks reached an agreement with Artemi Panarin on an extension. It’s a 2-year deal with a $6M AAV. The Bread Man will be in line for a big payday after that, but at that point, the Hawks could be better equipped to give him that pay day.

My picks for 3 stars

★★★ Ryan Johansen, C, NSH (2 A)

★★ Patrick Kane, RW, CHI (1 G (GWG), 1 A)

★ Corey Crawford, G, CHI (36 SV, 2 GA)

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com

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