Blackhawks vs. Predators 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NHL playoffs online

The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators will face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in what’s been one of the more anticipated series of the year. The two Central Division foes kick things off in the third game of a quadruple-header Wednesday evening, the first night of the postseason.

A week ago, there was no firm update on forward Patrick Kane and his status for the playoffs. Yet fast-forward a week and news has surfaced that the Blackhawks will get Kane back for Game 1, which is much earlier than originally expected.

This is a series changing development and it’s nothing but good news for the Hawks, who will go against a very strong Nashville Predators team -- one that led the Western Conference and even the league for much of the season.

The Nashville Predators face a few minor injuries to Mike Fisher (lower-body) and defenseman Cody Franson (upper-body). They are listed as day-to-day and it’s not yet known if they will play for the Preds in Game 1.

Rookie forward Kevin Fiala was recalled by the team on Monday, so he can possibly slide into the lineup. Pekka Rinne is expected to get the start for Nashville, as he should since he’s one of the best goaltenders in hockey. The Preds boast one of the NHL’s top defensive pairings in Shea Weber and Roman Josi, and they’ve come alive offensively -- at least relative to previous years -- under new coach Peter Laviolette this season.

1) Can Patrick Kane make an immediate impact for Chicago after coming off a long-term injury?

2) Will Mike Ribeiro continue this scoring success into the postseason?

3) The Blackhawks are playoff tested. The Preds are not. Can Nashville jump out quickly and gain the edge in Game 1?