The United Center finally saw what they expected, a Chicago win. On top of that, they also witnessed a shutout for their rookie netminder Niemi who has gone from goat to hero in just two games. That's Chicago sports is it not? The Predators offense struggled against a stifling Chicago D as the Hawks took Game 2 of the series with a 2-0 score.
Felder’s FRUSTRATED Five:
1. Where'd the O Go? - No Patric Hornqvist and boy did it show. Not many scoring chances created by Nashville tonight. The offense slowly got better as time progressed, shots on goal went from 5 in the 1st period to 7 in the 2nd, and finally double digits with 11 in the 3rd period. The fact that Ryan Suter led the team with 6 shots on goal by a wide margin speaks volumes. Not enough shots which gave Niemi an easier night than this past Friday.
2. Bodies in the Crease - Where was the net presence and traffic in front of the goal? Just because Hornqvist was not in the game doesn't mean these type of things should stop. Those are the things that create playoff goals and the Preds should have learned that in winning Game 1.
3. Going Back to Bad Habits - Tonight was the return of the Hamhuis/Klein pairing getting scored on (both goals). Also, the man advantage came out and showed what they normally did in the regular season (0-5 with 9:59 of TOI). Also, I don't like the fact that the Preds had less active sticks tonight and only had 1 takeaway. You compare that to the 20 takeaways that Chicago had and you can tell which team possessed the puck more often.
4. Depending on an ImPEKKAble Performance - If this team expects Rinne to win the series for them than they aren't being good teammates. You have to give Peks some goal support and honestly, the Preds could have won this game tonight. The goaltending was good enough to get the win. You have to take advantage of these performances (like they did in Game 1) and not squander them.
5. Time for Some Players to Step Up Their Game - Not trying to call guys out here but based on their Game 2 performances things have to improve for the home games. Martin Erat with just 1 SOG, Legwand with 0, Arnott had 3 SOG but only 1 thru 2 periods, Sullivan with 1 SOG, and Dumont with 0 SOG's. Those guys are THE offense when Hornqvist is out. Also, I want to see Tootoo go in there and disturb and hit players. Yes, he had the 2nd highest SOG's for the team with 3 in just 9:23 of TOI but to only have 1 hit is just odd to see for him. He needs to have an impact and distract the Hawks.
Other Notes:
* Tonight’s scratches were Wade Belak, Denis Grebeshkov, Cal O'Reilly, and the surprise scratch was Patric Hornqvist with an "upper body" injury.
* 1ST PERIOD
* The real moments in the 1st period were a crossbar hit by Chicago and an early whistle that waved off a Chicago goal. Nashville was lucky again to get through the 1st without giving up a goal.
* END OF THE 1ST PERIOD – NSH: 0 CHI: 0. Positives - Pekka is up to the task again, making 13 saves. 4 blocked shots. Negatives - Only 1 even strength shot on goal. Out shot 13-5 that frame. Hawks out hit the Preds a whopping 16-6. Chicago has won 52% of the faceoffs.
* 2ND PERIOD
* POWER PLAY GOAL for CHICAGO - 11:16 to go. This play was all about change of direction for Chicago. Patrick Kane took the puck off the end boards on the glove side. Kane then backhanded the puck towards the crease. Jonathan Toews was battling on the top of the crease with Kevin Klein and found a way to backhand the puck to Dave Bolland wide open and down low on the stick side. This gave Rinne no chance as he dove back and Bolland roofed the backhander for the goal. Bolland (1) from Toews (1) and Kane (1). Chicago strikes first on the PP with Tootoo in the box to take a 1-0 lead.
* END OF THE 2ND PERIOD – NSH: 0 CHI: 1.Positives - Only 3 giveaways so far in the game. Rinne has been THE reason this game is close… again. Negatives - CHI has a 26-12 SOG advantage. Hawks lead the hits with 24-17. CHI has won 53% of faceoffs. Preds not very disciplined that period and CHI did make them pay for it with a PP goal.
* 3RD PERIOD
* GOAL for CHICAGO - 15:42 to go. Hamhuis loses a battle at the Preds blueline and away goes Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane. A 2 on 1 develops with just Klein back and Kane fakes the pass to sharp, freezes Klein and Rinne, and then wires the puck in mid-level stick side just between the pad and blocker. Perfect shot there to give the Hawks a 2-0 lead. The puck was bouncing as it went to the blueline right where the bench is. Hammer just couldn't control it and Sharp poked it ahead for Kane to blaze into the Predator offensive zone unimpeded. Kane (2) from Sharp (2). The Blackhawks now own a 2-0 lead.
* 2:28 left. The Preds have a late man advantage and call their time out to game plan a comeback on a two goal deficit.
* FINAL SCORE – NSH - 0 CHI - 2.
My Three Stars:
1. Kane - 1 goal, 1 assist, a +1 rating, 3 SOG, and 3 takeaways.
2. Antti Niemi - 23 saves on 23 shots against. 1st career playoff shutout.
3. Rinne - 31 saves on 33 shots against. Kept things close for the Preds all game.
Goalie Grade:A- – The starting goaltender tonight was Pekka Rinne. Another solid outing by the Ironman but the goal support just wasn't there for him in this game. I thought Rinne was very solid once again. The Kane goal was perfectly placed so I can't fault Peks for that one. The PP goal left Peks no chance on the back door. All in all, to only let in 3 goals in 2 game in Chicago is quite an accomplishment and gives the Preds confidence that if they can get the offense taken care of the goaltending will be there.
Final Thoughts:
The Hawks did what they needed to do. They prevented Nashville from taking the 2-0 series lead. I thought the Hawks D was much more solid on the puck and really tightened things up in the slots and gaps. They didn't allow many quality scoring chances and deserve some credit for that. That said, the Preds did accomplish their goal despite tonight's outcome. They got a road win and a split within the first two games. Now they still have a chance to put a stranglehold on the series if they hold serve on home ice. It's no easy task but it should be the only mindset for the Preds. Protect their house. Also, it will be interesting to see what adjustments head coach Barry Trotz will make for the return to Nashville. I thought Coach Q did an excellent job of this for tonight and it will be up to Trotz to respond if he wants to take both games in Music City.
The Predators next game is back in Nashville on Tuesday night. A later faceoff than normal at Bridgestone Arena with the puck drop slated for 8 pm CST. Hope you will ALL be there as there are somehow still a few tickets available. There is no greater experience in sports than watching playoff hockey live so if you have the chance, don't miss it and get to the Arena. I'll see you there.
Till the next time, take care friends and thanks for reading.
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