Predators 3, Blackhawks 2
Rookie Ryan Ellis had a goal and an assist and All-Star Pekka Rinne made 30 saves as the Nashville Predators handed Chicago its ninth straight loss by defeating the visiting Blackhawks 3-2 on Tuesday.
Ellis scored the winner at 14:18 of the third period when his point blast was tipped by Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith through the legs of goaltender Ray Emery. It was Ellis’ third goal of the campaign.
Marian Hossa pulled the Blackhawks into a 2-2 tie at 6:05 of the third with his 21st of the season. Hossa, after taking a pass from Keith, snapped a shot that slipped under Rinne’s arm.
Nick Spaling gave the Predators a 2-1 lead with his eighth goal of the season at 17:21 of the middle frame. Ellis and Jordin Tootoo worked a give-and-go using the side boards and Ellis’ point shot was deflected by Spaling past Emery.
Ryan Suter opened the scoring for Nashville at 18:20 of the first period with his seventh of the season when he joined the rush and capped a beautiful passing play that started with Mike Fisher to Sergei Kostitsyn.
Chicago replied only 46 seconds later when Bryan Bickell scored his sixth of the season.