Chicago should be taking a critical 3-2 advantage in this important game 5.
The Chicago Blackhawks game vs. the Nashville Predators on Saturday will be starting soon (3pm ET).
The games placed from United Center in Chicago and importantly the 'hawks had the third best home record in the NHL during the regular season. Here are the game details:
Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks
3:00 PM ET, Saturday, April 24, 2010
The United Center, Chicago, Illinois
On: NBC and TSN
Series tied 2-2
Nashville Predators:
The Nashville Predators had the home town fans pumped up and salivating over the prospect of a 3-1 series lead against the second best team in the Western Conference. Instead the Preds sent their fans home disappointed on Thursday night and now the team faces the daunting task of going to Chicago to try to regain the home ice advantage that they once had.
The Nashville Predators played without their top scorer Patric Hornqvist once again on Thursday and his presence was definitely missed. The Preds generated 33 shots on Antti Niemi but were unable to convert on any. The Predators were unsuccessful on five more power play chances including a five on three, taking their series total to a miserable 0 for 17 with the man advantage. Nashville was shut out for the second time in four games and it is difficult to predict what is going to happen next with this offensive unit.
Pekka Rinne was solid once again in the net for Nashville and did not stand much of a chance on the three goals that the Hawks scored. He and his defense will need a little offensive support if they want to hang with the great Chicago attack.
Chicago Blackhawks:
The Chicago Blackhawks have been a sleeping giant that was waiting to be awoken. Apart from Patrick Kane, the skill players for Chicago had been disappointing over the three games so far in the series. Game four changed all that. Patrick Sharp scored his first two goals of the post season, Jonathan Toews score his first of the playoffs while adding an assist and Marian Hossa chipped in with an assist, only his third point of the series so far. The Hawks had the third ranked offense during the regular season and now they are staring to show why.
The Hawks defense got a huge boost on Thursday. Slick puck moving defenseman Brian Campbell returned from a six week absence and played very well in the fourteen minutes that he was on the ice. Antti Niemi recorded his second shutout in four games and surprisingly is at the top of most goaltending categories in the playoffs so far.
Chicago appears to be hitting its stride and although no team has won two straight in the series, that is all about to change. The Hawks have gained back home ice advantage are not about to give it up again. Look for a strong effort from Chicago in front of an amped home town crowd on Saturday and a 3-2 Chicago series lead.
Our recommendation: Chicago Blackhawks
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