NHL teams
Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 4, Predators 3

CHICAGO -- Here’s a quick look at the Blackhawks’ 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators in Game 6 that clinched the Western Conference first-round series for Chicago at the United Center on Saturday:

How it happened: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith broke a 3-3 tie and scored the game-winning goal with 3:48 remaining in the third period. The game was full of action in the first period and went quiet for some time. The Predators scored 1 minute, 10 seconds into the game on a goal by James Neal. Neal added a second goal at 8:09 to put the Predators ahead 2-0. Patrick Sharp gave the Blackhawks their first goal at 10:37. Matt Cullen scored 39 seconds later to push the Predators back ahead by two goals. Jonathan Toews redirected a Sharp shot at 12:14 of the period to pull within a goal. Finally, Patrick Kane scored with six seconds remaining in the first period. Neither team scored in the second period. Blackhawks starting goaltender Scott Darling was pulled at 11:16 of the first period after he allowed three goals on 12 shots. He was replaced by Corey Crawford, who started Games 1 and 2. Crawford made 13 saves. Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne made 28 saves. Each team scored a power-play goal.

What it means: The Blackhawks clinched the series 4-2. The Blackhawks have advanced past the first round in five of the past seven years. They improved to 12-4 in series-clinching games during that period. The Blackhawks got better defensively as Game 6 went along. They struggled early for Darling, but limited the Predators’ chances as the game progressed. Crawford didn’t have to make a lot of saves, but he was solid after having not played since April 17. The Blackhawks will be happy to be done with Neal for the season. He scored nine goals against them this season. The Blackhawks were finally able to get a power-play goal after going four games without one.

Player of the game: Keith had the winning goal and two assists.

Stat of the game: The Blackhawks held the Predators to zero goals and 13 shots on net after allowing three goals on the first 12 shots in the first 11:16 of the game.

What’s next: The Blackhawks await the winner of the St. Louis Blues-Minnesota Wild series. The Wild lead the series 3-2, with Game 6 to be staged on Sunday.

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