Rinne's play in net helps Predators top Blackhawks
CHICAGO -- Goaltender Pekka Rinne set a season high with 43 saves, and the Nashville Predators outlasted the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2-1 win on Friday night at the United Center.
Calle Jarnkrok and Craig Smith each scored for the Predators. Nashville (5-3-2) snapped a two-game winless skid and avenged an overtime loss to Chicago two weeks earlier.
Artem Anisimov scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks. Chicago (5-4-2) lost its second game in a row and dropped to 1-3-1 in its past five contests.
Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford turned aside 28 shots. He drew his third loss in the past four games.
Chicago opened the scoring on a short-handed goal by Anisimov during the final minute of the first period. Rinne denied Nick Schmaltz on a breakaway but could not corral the puck, which Anisimov lifted into the net for his second goal of the season and his first since Oct. 10.
Nashville evened the score at 1 after a costly giveaway by Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith in the opening minute of the second period. Keith mistakenly swept the puck toward Jarnkrok, who fired a rising shot past Crawford for his first goal of the season.
Smith put the Predators on top 2-1 with a power-play goal -- the 100th of his career -- with 8:58 remaining in the second period. Center Colton Sissons parked in front of the crease to screen Crawford on the shot.
Blackhawks right winger Patrick Kane was held scoreless, which snapped his six-game point streak. Kane was whistled for goaltender interference in the third period after slamming into with Rinne in the crease.
Nashville withstood pressure in the final 90 seconds as Chicago pulled Crawford for an extra skater. The Blackhawks matched a season high with 44 shots.
NOTES: Rookie Blackhawks RW Alex DeBrincat started on the team's top line for the first time this season alongside C Jonathan Toews and LW Brandon Saad. ... Predators D Samuel Girard returned to the ice after sitting out the previous four games in a row. ... Blackhawks D Cody Franson, C Tanner Kero and D Jordan Oesterle were healthy scratches. ... Predators D Anthony Bitetto, D Matt Irwin and LW Cody McLeod were healthy scratches. ... Blackhawks left winger Brandon Saad celebrated his 25th birthday. ... Chicago Bulls rookie F Lauri Markkanen attended the game and watched fellow Finnish countryman Pekka Rinne in net for Nashville.