Blackhawks 5, Predators 3 – Recap

By Kevin Schroeder
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Updated: October 15, 2016

The Blackhawks got off the schneid at home against the Predators Saturday night. The Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead just over ten minutes into the game, but then started playing back on their heels a bit. Nashville scored one later in the period on an awful play by Vinnie Hinostroza that Michal Kempny made worse. Nashville pulled within one on a power play goal. The Blackhawks lost the faceoff and Craig Smith got off a one-timer that redirected off of Niklas Hjalmarsson’s pant leg past Darling. The Hawks did a good job killing off the only other penalty they took, so things are at least getting a little better on that front. The Hawks pushed the lead back to two on a power play goal of their own early in the third, but Nashville again fought back and cut the lead to one. Late in the game, the Hawks got some insurance when Patrick Kane set the table for Richard Panik and Panik finished it off to complete his first NHL hat trick.

A couple things

Scott Darling was great. The third goal wasn’t a great one to give up, but the second one wasn’t really his fault and the first one definitely wasn’t.
Tyler Motte had a really nice game, contributing on offense, defense, and the penalty kill. If Q’s not going to split up Kane and Panarin, I’d put Motte on the top line.
Facoffs still need some work, especially on the PK. The Hawks won 47.5% in this one.
Ryan Hartman is day-to-day.

My picks for 3 stars

★★★ Patrick Kane, RW, CHI (2 A)

★★ Scott Darling, G, CHI (33 SV, 3 GA)

★ Richard Panik, RW, CHI (3 G (GWG))

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com