Blackhawks vs. Predators, NHL playoffs 2015: Chicago closes out Nashville

I sure hope they don’t forget to add the bird part of the Blackhawks name. That sure would be awkward!

Oh no. They forgot.

1. It was the craziest first period of the playoffs

Six goals, 26 shots and one pulled Blackhawks goalie. The first period of Game 6 was a barnburner as both sides came out trying to throw knockout punches early. James Neal was a goal post away from a hat trick in the first twenty minutes! This series has shown great spurts of goal-scoring throughout, so it’s a shame it’s over.

The Predators will look to force a seventh game when they visit the Blackhawks on Saturday for Game 6. Nashville closed their series deficit to one game with a win in Game 5 at home on Wednesday.

Despite some issues between the pipes, the Chicago Blackhawks will enter Game 4 on Tuesday with an opportunity to take commanding control of their series with the Nashville Predators. Chicago leads 2-1 in the best of a seven-game series. The Blackhawks will once again turn to backup goaltender Scott Darling.

Corey Crawford started the first two games of the series for Chicago, but struggled in both. He was pulled early in Game 1 and Darling stepped in and helped Chicago come away with an overtime victory. After things went awry again for Crawford in Game 2, the 26-year-old Darling took over in net in Game 3. He’s stopped 77-of-79 shots in his action against Nashville. He’ll be back in the net for Game 4 with Chicago trying to take a 3-1 advantage at home.

Chicago now leads the series 2-1.

1. Darling made the most of his start.

The other absence in the game will be Chicago goalie Corey Crawford. Nine goals allowed in four periods resulted in Crawford’s benching in Game 2, opening the door for backup Scott Darling. In his relief appearances this series, Darling has stopped all 42 shots he’s faced. He could be the guy Chicago needs to turn the series around.

Topping the double-overtime thriller that was Game 1 would have been a hard task to accomplish. Game 2 of Predators-Blackhawks seemed destined to be come another classic through two periods, but the Preds poured on goals late for a 6-2 win.

The series now shifts to Chicago with the series tied at 1-1.

Nashville will try to even the series on Friday at Bridgestone Arena. Opening puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET.