Looking back at Hawks-Predators series

Posted April 12, 2010 11:00 pm

By Tim Sassone

Even though the Blackhawks and Nashville Predators haven't played since Dec. 27, there isn't much these two Central Division rivals don't know about each other.

The Hawks and Predators will open their best-of-seven Stanley Cup playoff series Friday night at the United Center.

"I'm sure that halfway through the first period it will be like old times again," Hawks defenseman Brent Seabrook said.

All six regular season meetings came in the first three months with the Hawks winning four times, but none of that matters now. Here's a recap of their six games this season.

Hawks 3, Predators 1: Oct. 15 at Bridgestone ArenaThe Hawks held the Predators to just 13 shots on goal and only 2 in the third period, making it an easy night for goalie Cristobal Huet. Dustin Byfuglien, Tomas Kopecky and Duncan Keith scored for the Hawks against Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne, who faced 30 shots.Hawks 2, Predators 0: Oct. 24 at the United CenterCristobal Huet made 27 saves to post the shutout, but he had to face only 6 shots in the third period. Dustin Byfuglien scored in the second period and Andrew Ladd in the third against Predators goalie Dan Ellis. The Hawks played without Jonathan Toews, who was nursing a concussion.Predators 2, Hawks 0: Oct. 29 at Bridgestone Arena It wasn't a great night for the Hawks' offense, which managed to put only 22 shots on goalie Pekka Rinne. Again playing without Jonathan Toews, the Hawks were 0-for-5 on the power play. Nashville got second period goals from Joel Ward and Jerred Smithson.Predators 4, Hawks 1: Dec. 4 at the United CenterIt was all Nashville after Jonathan Toews weaved through the defense to open the scoring for the Hawks at 11:50 of the first period. Nashville got the next 4 goals from Dan Hamhuis, Martin Erat, Jordin Tootoo and Joel Ward to back the 34-save performance of goalie Dan Ellis.Hawks 4, Predators 1: Dec. 26 at Bridgestone ArenaA 3-goal second period sent the Hawks on their way as Patrick Kane and Andrew Ladd scored 70 seconds apart in the middle period to break open a 1-1 game with goalie Cristobal Huet taking it from there. The Hawks put 40 shots on Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne. Dustin Byfuglien and Patrick Sharp also scored with Jonathan Toews and Tomas Kopecky adding 2 assists each.Hawks 5, Predators 4: Dec. 27 at the United CenterThe Hawks led 4-2 with less than five minutes to play when the Predators shocked them with goals by Dan Hamhuis with 4:22 left and Cody Franson with 3:25 to play. But Patrick Kane's second goal of the night with just 44 seconds remaining in regulation gave the Hawks the win. John Madden also scored twice for the Hawks with Jonathan Toews racking up 3 assists. Antti Niemi made his only start of the season against the Predators and bested Dan Ellis, although he had to face only 20 shots. Predators vs. BlackhawksG1: Fri. at Hawks, 7:30, CSNG2: Sun. at Hawks, 7:30, CSNG3: Apr. 20 at Nashville, 8, CSNG4: Apr. 22 at Nashville, 7:30, CSN*G5: Apr. 24 at Hawks, 2, Ch. 5*G6: Apr. 26 at Nashville, TBD, CSN*G7: Apr. 28 at Hawks, TBD, CSN* if necessary

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