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Blackhawks Play Hard, but Give Up First Game

Written by: EricC on 17th April 2010

The Chicago Blackhawks looked like the better team out there, but a lucky goal for the Predators aided in their one goal lead during the final minutes of the game. Then, two more Empty Net goals put this game away. Luckily, the Playoffs are a Series, and not a Single Elimination Game. The two teams will play one more game in Chicago before heading down to Nashville for two games.

The Hawks battled hard in the first period, and had several prime scoring opportunities, but just couldn’t put anything in. Then, nearly ten minutes into the second period, Patrick Kane came out with the Hawks first goal of the Post Season, grabbing the rebound off of Patrick Sharp’s shot. Chicago left the second period up by a goal, and looking great.

Early in the third period, Nashville tied the score up with a somewhat lucky goal. A puck came around the front of Antti Niemi, bouncing off the post and barely making it’s way behind the young goalkeeper. Then, during the tenth minute of the game, the Predators put in their game winning goal. Chicago tried to tie the game back up, but after pulling Niemi out of the net, the only result was two more goals for Nashville.

Despite taking his first Post Season loss, Niemi played a great game. He held the Preds scoreless for the first two periods. Unfortunately, that second goal that got past him was all Nashville needed to win this game. Niemi had 22 saves through the game.

Game 2 between the Predators and Hawks will be this Sunday, April 18, at 7:30 P.M. CT.