Blackhawks/Predators regular season recap

Here's a recap of the five meetings between the Blackhawks and Predators this season. The Hawks went 4-1-0, outscoring Nashville 20-13.

Oct. 14: Predators 3, Blackhawks 2

After allowing 3 power-play goals to the Blues in the season opener, the Predators followed suit and scored all of their goals on the man advantage as the Hawks fell to 0-2-0 on the young season. The Hawks failed to hold onto a 2-1 lead after getting rare goals from Marcus Kruger and Niklas Hjalmarsson.

"The obvious issue is we've got to watch our sticks, we've got to be extra careful," Jonathan Toews said afterward. "They'll be looking for some of those calls. We've got to make sure that we're playing within the lines."

Oct. 15: Blackhawks 5, Predators 3

Most fans will remember that this was Richard Panik's coming-out party as the journeyman forward notched his first career hat trick. It turned out to be a springboard to a fantastic season for Panik, who finished with 22 goals.

"My biggest weakness was to stay consistent, so I'm trying to focus on that," Panik said. "Just bring it every night. For me, (hitting) gets me into the game."

Dec. 29: Blackhawks 3, Predators 2

Patrick Kane won this one when he scored 5:12 into the third period.

There was plenty of controversy, however, as Jonathan Toews scored the tying goal just 3:44 before Kane's with the Hawks on the power play because Craig Smith was whistled for tripping Corey Crawford.

"It's a missed call," Smith said. "It happens too much. I guess it's a good play by him because the ref's not looking and he's able to stick his leg out and act like I ran into him. But I was crossing the crease. I wasn't trying to hit him. He obviously turned and stuck his knee out, but if the refs don't catch it, good play by him."

Crawford said he was just standing his ground.

Jan. 8: Blackhawks 5, Predators 2

Ryan Hartman recorded one of the crazier hat tricks in NHL history, scoring his first goal with 8:11 remaining when a puck caromed off his hip and bounced over the line to give the Hawks a 3-2 lead. Hartman then added a pair of empty-netters in the waning moments.

Said Hartman: "(Patrick Kane) came up to me and said, 'You got two tonight?' I said, 'Yeah.' He said, 'All right. I'm going to get it to you.'"

That's exactly what happened, as Hartman buried the clincher after a feed from Kane with 32 seconds left.

"It's one of those things where you get your first hat trick and then three or four days from now, no one's going to even remember that he had two empty (netters)," Kane said. "He's been a big player for us this year and he's been very productive."

Hartman finished with 19 goals.

March 4: Blackhawks 5, Predators 3

Brian Campbell scored with 1:05 remaining and the Hawks went on to claim their franchise-record-best eighth straight road victory.

"It's a fun accomplishment knowing the organization has had a proud history and some great tradition here," coach Joel Quenneville told reporters.

Patrick Kane scored 2 goals, the second coming into an empty net after Campbell's goal. This was also the game that Jordin Tootoo recorded his first goal and point of the season.