Duncan Keith’s goal in the second overtime gave the Blackhawks an improbable 4-3 victory. Chicago worked all the way back a three-goal first period deficit to take the opening game if the series.
“I can’t really remember exactly what happened,” Keith said. “I just know that (Marian Hossa) had a nice bank pass to get it back to me. I just tried to get it on net as quick as I could. I don’t know if the goalie was able to see it very well. I think we had some guys going to the net, and that helped out on the screen.”
After a lackluster first period, Chicago owned the second period in all aspects. Niklas Hjalmarsson took advantage of open ice, due to James Neal broken stick, and put the Hawks on the board at 1:43 of the second period.
“(Hjalmarsson) is a guy that brings value to our team in a lot of different ways,” Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp said. “You don’t always see him providing offense, but he steps up with a big goal to kind of ignite the offense a little bit. I thought we played better after that.”
The often dormant Blackhawks’ power play woke up when Patrick Sharp’s slapshot beat Pekka Rinne during a two-man advantage. With the Hawks back on the power play, Jonathan Toews stuffed the puck to the back of the net, tying the game at three. It was the first time since March 14th Chicago scored multiple power play goals in a game.
The Predators looked to be in control of the game early with three opening period goals. Colin Wilson made Hawks defenseman Michal Rozsival look silly en route to the net on the game’s first tally.
Duncan Kieth nets OT game-winner – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Bridgestone Arena cheered loudly again late in the first period when Viktor Stalberg found an open night to stymie his old team at the 17:20 mark. Wilson gave the Predators a 3-0 lead with his second goal, this time on the power play with just 29 seconds remaining in the first period.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville sent a message to his team by pulling starter Corey Crawford after only 20 minutes in favor of backup net minder Scott Darling. The message was clearly received by the visitors. Darling earned his first NHL playoff victory with a 42 save performance.
“Just trying to stop the bleeding,” Darling said. “We didn’t play very good in the first to help out (Crawford), but they played great in the second period. (Nashville) only managed three shots I think. They played great the whole night for me, and it’s awesome.”
Entering the game, Chicago had lost their last 10 opening series road games. The team will return to the ice for a late 8:30 p.m. Central start on Friday night.
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