Jim Diamond 9y

Rapid Reaction: Predators 3, Hawks 2

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Here’s a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday.

How it happened: The Predators mounted a strong surge just past the midway point of the first period, putting four shots on goaltender Antti Raanta and seeing two Shea Weber slap shots blocked by Andrew Shaw and Daniel Carcillo, respectively -- only to see Blackhawks forward Ben Smith score the game’s first goal less than 30 seconds later. James Neal sent the teams into the first intermission tied 1-1 when he scored with less than a minute remaining in the frame. Neal’s second of the game came in the second period, just over a minute after the expiration of Chicago’s only power play of the game, during which the Blackhawks spent nearly the full two minutes in Nashville’s zone but were unable to get one past Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne. Neal completed his fifth career hat trick at 1:52 of the third with an easy tap-in on the left side. Shaw closed the gap to one at 12:36 when he swatted the rebound of his own shot out of midair and past Rinne.

What it means: Nashville is now the lone NHL team not to have lost a game in regulation this season. The Predators sit atop the Central at 5-0-2, with the Blackhawks sitting three points behind at 4-1-1. Chicago struggled against the Central last season, going 13-13-3, and lost four of five against Nashville. Chicago lost for the first time this season when scoring first.

Player of the game: Neal consistently worked his way into open shooting positions and made the Blackhawks pay by recording the natural hat trick. Nashville acquired the talented winger in a draft-day trade in June with Pittsburgh in exchange for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.

Stat of the game: Chicago had just one power-play opportunity, three fewer than in any game so far this season. That one power play yielded several chances, and the Hawks spent most of the two minutes applying pressure in the Nashville zone, putting three shots on Rinne. The Blackhawks have failed to record a power-play goal in two games this season, both against Nashville.

What’s next: The Blackhawks complete their quick two-game road trip Saturday, when they face the St. Louis Blues for the first time this season. A quick turnaround follows with a Sunday home game against the Ottawa Senators.

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