Chicago atoned for their Game 2 mistakes on Sunday to take the series lead.
The Chicago Blackhawks secured a Game 3 win on Sunday, defeating the Nashville Predators by a score of 4-2 to rebound from an ugly loss on Friday night.
Chicago now leads the series 2-1.
After losing by four goals in Game 2, the Blackhawks came out determined to gain an early edge. They did just that when forward Andrew Desjardins scored with five minutes remaining in the first period. The lead wouldn't last, however, as Predators center Mike Ribeiro fired a slap shot past goalie Scott Darling to even the score at 1-1.
The same thing happened less than a minute into the second frame. When Jonathan Toews scored to regain the Blackahawks' lead, Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm scored seconds later to restore the tie. But Chicago added two more goals as the period continued to extend their lead to two goals. The score would hold, and the Blackhawks took at 2-1 series lead.
3 Things We Learned
1. Darling made the most of his start.
Darling got the chance to start Game 3 for Chicago after two shaky games from Corey Crawford. And for the most part, he looked solid. Unlike Crawford, Darling didn't allow the Predators to capitalize on momentum after early goals. And unlike Pekka Rinne, Darling got his rebound control back under control as the game progressed. We will wait and see if he gets the nod in Game 4, but it seems like he's earned it.
2. Patrick Kane isn't himself.
After another quiet game from the Blackhawks winger, it's even more apparent that he might not be fully comfortable with his rehabbed shoulder injury. It's not like Kane to not be around the puck often during a playoff game, and while he showed flashes of his skill it might take a couple more games for him to finally settle in. Luckily for Chicago, his supporting cast is pitching in plenty.
3. Nashville misses Shea Weber.
When Weber is on the ice, his presence can change the entire outlook of a game. With him on the sidelines, the Blackhawks had no problems pushing plays deeper and deeper into Nashville's zone all night. From his overwhelming shot to his intimidating presence, Weber's absence left a major hole in the Predators' backbone that Chicago exploited.
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