Halischuk tallied two in tonight’s game. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)
For the first time in what seems like FOREVER the Nashville Predators scored more than one goal in a game and even made it all the way to overtime. What is this madness? To find this out, a look back over the last in the Nashville Predators – Chicago Blackhawks series is required.
The Predators managed to go toe to toe with the Blackhawks in goal scoring, even taking the lead for a whole three minutes. I guess you could say that the first period was definitely a success by anyone’s standard for the Predators play lately.
The Blackhawks did strike first in the first. Nearly five minutes into the period Chicago went on the power play and defenseman Keith snapped the shot past Rinne to score. Nashville tied it up two minutes later as Halischuk found his form again to get the slap shot.
What was even more spectacular? Henderson scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game at 10:42 to give the Predators the lead. Unfortunately, it didn’t last all that long. Saad tied the game at 13:36 to end the period.
The second didn’t have nearly the scoring excitement, unless Kane’s wrist shot is your game. Chicago took back the lead just after the nine minute mark with Kane’s goal, but Nashville was the one to tie the game again two minutes later thanks once again to Halischuk.
If hockey fans can’t guess the pattern of the third period after watching the first two, it’s time to go hit the books again. Handzus scored his first goal of the season half way through the period to give the Blackhawks back the lead. It took the Predators a little over six minutes to match, with Butler taking the goal home and finishing the period in a tie.
With neither team able to take the lead back, the Predators went into what has lately been uncharted territory. Overtime.
Does anyone remember when the Predators were going to overtime and the shootout every other game at the beginning of the season? Yeah, neither do I. And obviously the Preds don’t remember either. The Predators went into overtime on the penalty kill, giving Chicago the chance less than a minute in for the goal thanks to Hossa.
The next time the Predators play will be the last home game of the season and last home game until next season. The Calgary Flames come to town at 8pm EST to finish out the series. Alright Preds, let’s finish on a strong note in Music City!
