Predators Lose Battle of Incredible Goaltending in Overtime to Chicago

In a showcase of some outstanding goaltending from both netminders, the Nashville Predators lost in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Never easy to stomach a loss like that, but the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks treated fans to a very exciting hockey game Friday night in the Windy City.

Both teams had ample opportunities to open up the scoring and take commanding leads, but Pekka Rinne and Corey Crawford had other plans.

An excellent display of goaltending from veteran goaltenders was the theme of the night. In the end, the Blackhawks got a breakaway goal in overtime to get the extra point.

Alex DeBrincat scored both goals for Chicago as they creep up closer to Nashville in the standings as the wildcard race gets more congested.

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Back and forth affair

This loss hurts particularly in a bad way for the Predators because they were in a commanding spot to take a multi-goal lead.

The Predators had a 5-on-3 power play at one point that they couldn’t capitalize on, and eventually Chicago would tie it at 1-1 nearly halfway through the 3rd period.

Rinne would finish 36 saves, while Crawford would put up 42 saves. A bit of a blast from the past to see these two take over the game.

The lone goal scorer from the Predators was Mattias Ekholm, but again was thanks in large part to Rinne making timely saves just before. The counterattack ended up on the stick of Rocco Grimaldi, who found Ekholm for his 8th goal of the season.

There was also the long-awaited return of Ryan Ellis to the lineup. He looked pretty solid out there logging over 23 minutes of ice time, two shots on goal and two hits.

Also of note was the absence of Nick Bonino, which was sorely felt in this one. He missed due to illness, but there’s worry that it could mean something more as the trade deadline is looming.

The Predators still have to play the Blackhawks one more time in Chicago to cap off the season series that’s now tied at two wins for each team.

With the Predators gaining the one point, they’re now two points behind Calgary and Arizona as they push for a wildcard spot. However, Central Division foes Minnesota and Chicago aren’t far behind.

Next up on the schedule the Predators will play the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first time this season in the first of a string of five-straight games at home.

There’s also just one game remaining before Monday’s trade deadline, so you have to assume that GM David Poile already has a clear vision at how he’s going to approach that.