Blackhawks Outplayed in Game 1

Blackhawks Outplayed by the Nashville Predators In Game 1

Photo Property of Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images (ESPN)

The Chicago Blackhawks suffered an embarrassing defeat to the Nashville Predators Friday, at the United Center in Game 1 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Blackhawks, who are heavily favored in the series, left Chicago stunned and at a loss for words after the 4-1 short coming. Hawks led 1-0 heading into the 3rd period which unfortunately lacked drive, passion, skills, performance, and smart play that ultimately led to a Game 1 loss.

There were many players who were performing quite well throughout the game and the momentum was in favor of the Blackhawks until a slow bouncer, with the speed of a inaccurate dump, bounced past Niemi to tie the game up for the Preds. Niemi, who didn't bother with taking the puck body first, was furious with himself after allowing the 10 mph puck sneak past him. The goal was a definite gut check and that set the tone for the rest of the night. Preds knew they didn't need to be the best offense to score on the Hawk's wounded defense and inconsistent goal tender, they just needed their defense to get in the way of the Hawk's poor puck handling and passing.

I wouldn't go as far as the Hawk's "controlled" the 1st and 2nd period, there was still a lot of up and down play and Niemi was still challenged on many occasions, but there was a mark difference in the Hawk's play in comparison. Madden described the Hawks play after the Preds "lucky" goal as they "Sat back and let them take it to us," as Chicago is favored to win the Stanley Cup in many predictions, I don't think that the Hawks should allow ANY team to "take it to them" no matter what momentum is on the ice.

The Hawks were out shooting the Preds after 2, 22-13, and then after the momentum swing the Hawks were outshot 4-13 in the 3rd as the Preds scored 2 empty netters. Both teams are not known for their PP, and that was evident by Chicago's first PP which was a complete bust; both teams were 0-2 on the night during PPs. During the first 40 minutes of play the Hawks were being the more physical of the 2 teams as well with many big hits by Seabrook, Byfuglien, and even Hossa who leveled Hornqvist in the 1st. However, by the end of the game and after the Preds took complete control of the 3rd, the Hawks were out hit 31-40, another unimpressive statistic.

Many good points can be made on the Hawks first 40 minutes of play, and that unfortunately has been a re-occurring theme throughout the season. To defeat the Predators, the Hawks need to stop making things harder than they need to be, they have a stronger offense than the Preds and just need to start pulling the trigger more. Versteeg had practically a goal in hand as he was beating Rinne from post to post in front of the net and just failed to pull the trigger before the Preds were able to tie him up. The Hawks are faster and better shooters, they need to take advantage of that and realize that the open break-aways aren't going to be there against this team and just keep pushing and pushing.

The two teams meet again for Game 2 of Round 1 at the United Center. Let's hope the Hawks realize what they need to do to beat the Nashville Predators and get it done. So throw on your favorite Hawks jersey, grab a Miller Lite, and join in the chorus, "Let's Go Hawks!"

I'm ChiN8 and I want to thank you for follow Windy City Sportz make sure to subscribe to our blog, RSS feeds, and WCS In-Game to stay on top of all things Chicago Sports.