The Chicago Blackhawks probably got off to the worst start to a playoff game in their franchise's history. That included falling behind 3-0 and pulling starting goalie Corey Crawford, but in the end the resilient Blackhawks found a way. Duncan Keith scored at 7:49 of the second overtime period to lead the Blackhawks past the Nashville Predators 4-3 in game 1 of the first round on Wednesday night.
Crawford allowed 3 goals on the first 12 shots he faced, forcing head coach Joel Quenneville to replace his starter with Scott Darling after the first period. Darling had only played 14 NHL games, but stopped every shot the Predators threw his way in his playoff debut. That was a good amount of shots, as the Predators took 54 of them, good for a franchise record in the playoffs.
Darling has gone back and forth from the AHL all season long. He finished the season with a record of 9-4-0 and a 1.95 goals-against average.
Jonathan Toews had a goal and an assist, while Niklas Hjalmarsson and Patrick Sharp each scored to lead the Chicago comeback on the team that they finished 2 points behind in the standings. Patrick Kane added 2 assists in his return to the ice after missing 21 games with a broken collarbone.
Colin Wilson scored twice and Viktor Stalberg once in the first against Crawford to help the Predators get off to a 3-0 lead. That red-hot start was not enough to sink the Blackhawks, who comes in to this postseason with 57 playoff wins and 2 Stanley Cups since 2009.
Nashville was playing in their first playoff game since 2012, but missed out on their first division title by going 0-4-2 to end the season. The Blackhawks also struggled to end the year, losing their final 4 regular-season games. Game 2 between these teams is Friday night in Nashville.
Crawford allowed 3 goals on the first 12 shots he faced, forcing head coach Joel Quenneville to replace his starter with Scott Darling after the first period. Darling had only played 14 NHL games, but stopped every shot the Predators threw his way in his playoff debut. That was a good amount of shots, as the Predators took 54 of them, good for a franchise record in the playoffs.
Darling has gone back and forth from the AHL all season long. He finished the season with a record of 9-4-0 and a 1.95 goals-against average.
Jonathan Toews had a goal and an assist, while Niklas Hjalmarsson and Patrick Sharp each scored to lead the Chicago comeback on the team that they finished 2 points behind in the standings. Patrick Kane added 2 assists in his return to the ice after missing 21 games with a broken collarbone.
Colin Wilson scored twice and Viktor Stalberg once in the first against Crawford to help the Predators get off to a 3-0 lead. That red-hot start was not enough to sink the Blackhawks, who comes in to this postseason with 57 playoff wins and 2 Stanley Cups since 2009.
Nashville was playing in their first playoff game since 2012, but missed out on their first division title by going 0-4-2 to end the season. The Blackhawks also struggled to end the year, losing their final 4 regular-season games. Game 2 between these teams is Friday night in Nashville.
