Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Showcase: Predators vs Blackhawks
For some reason I've never really paid much attention to the Nashville Predators, and from the reaction they're getting so far during their 2017 playoff run, that seems to be the case across the board. No one saw this coming.
I sat down to watch game two of Predators @ Blackhawks mainly to root against the latter, not realizing that the boys from Nashville would soon put on one of the greatest displays of skating and athleticism I've seen in quite some time. The Predators dominated the Chicago ice like they owned it, with 5 goals scored at the end to the Blackhawks 0.
I was Floored.
Pekka Rinne was masterful in the net, blocking all 30 shots taken by Chicago. After watching a more than lackluster season of the Dallas Stars sub par goal tending, this was an exciting thing to watch. Every time a shot was blocked, the looks on the faces of the Blackhawks grew more and more tired and frustrated. This came out in aggression a few times during the third period, which didn't help things for Chicago as the Predators to full advantage of their power play opportunities.
Ryan Johansen was also in top form, scoring a goal for himself along with 2 assists. Also worth noting are Ryan Ellis, Harry Zolnierczyk, Colton Sissons and Kevin Fiala, who all scored their first career playoff goals.
I hope you'll join me for game 3 tonight at 8:30ET/7:30CT
