Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - J.P. Dumont scored two of Nashville's four third-period goals, as the Predators defeated division foe Chicago, 4-1, in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series at United Center.
Dumont’s Two Goals In Third Lead Predators To Game 1 Victory
Jerred Smithson and Martin Erat each added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal Nashville's first road playoff win in team history (1-10).
David Legwand had two assists for the Predators, while Pekka Rinne made 25 saves.
Patrick Kane lit the lamp in the second period for the Central champion Blackhawks, who set franchise records with 52 wins and 112 points en route to their first division title since claiming the Norris back in 1993.
Chicago rookie Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots. Like his counterpart and fellow Finn, Niemi was making his playoff debut.
Game 2 is Sunday before the series shifts from the Windy City to the Music City.
Nashville tied the game on a fluky goal. Dumont flipped a innocuous-looking backhander from along the right boards on goal that hopped past Niemi 1:31 into the third.
Dumont gave the Predators the lead at 10:37, scooping the rebound over Niemi after he made the original stop on Legwand.
Kane opened the scoring near the midway point of the contest. Rinne turned aside Patrick Sharp, but couldn't control the rebound. Kane, who scored 30 goals during the regular season to lead the team, crashed the crease and pushed in the loose puck.
The Predators were 23-15-3 on the road during the regular season...Chicago won the season series with Nashville, 4-2...Nashville is back in the postseason after a one-year absence.
See More:
