Blackhawks at Predators
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks have lost eight straight games
and it all started when they were swept in a home-and-home series with
the Nashville Predators. The Blackhawks will look to stem the bleeding
and earn a little redemption when they visit Nashville on Tuesday. It
will be the fourth of six meetings. The Predators won 3-1 and 5-2 in
January after Chicago won the series opener at home 5-4 in a shootout.
TV: 8 p.m., CS Chicago (Blackhawks), FS Tennessee (Predators)
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (29-20-7): Chicago, which is 2-7-1 in
its last 10 games, has given hope to the handful of teams at the bottom
of the Western Conference playoff race. The Blackhawks six sixth, but
Los Angeles, Phoenix, Calgary and Colorado are right on their heels.
Chicago is coming off a 3-0 home loss to the Coyotes. The Blackhawks
offense did generate 38 shots but were foiled by goaltender Mike Smith.
Ray Emery made 24 saves to fall to 11-6-2. Marian Hossa has collected
two goals and six points in the three games against Nashville.
ABOUT THE PREDATORS (32-18-6): Nashville, which is 6-2-2 in
its last 10 games, is coming off a 4-3 road shootout loss to the Boston
Bruins. Shea Weber, Patric Hornqvist and Mike Fisher scored for the
Predators, while Pekka Rinne made 38 saves to fall to 30-12-6. Nashville
is fifth in the West, five points behind the St. Louis Blues, who they
also chase for second place in the Central Division. Nashville is 17-7-4
at home this season.
OVERTIME:
1. Martin Erat has 19 points in his last 18 games for the Predators.
2. Chicago has been shutout six times this season.
3. Fisher and Colin Wilson have scored game-winning goals for Nashville
in the season series with Chicago. Viktor Stalberg had the winner for
the Blackhawks.