When the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks square off in Game 3 of their first round series on Sunday, two big-name players will be absent for entirely different reasons.
Predators vs. Blackhawks Game 3: Time, TV schedule and how to watch NHL playoffs online
Changes abound for both teams.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville will visit Chicago without their star defenseman and captain Shea Weber after he suffered a lower-body injury on Friday in Game 2. In fact, he won't be making a return appearance until Game 5 in Nashville. That's seven or more periods of playoff hockey the Predators have to play without one of the league's best defensemen patrolling the blueline.
Roman Josi will most likely inherit the bulk of Weber's minutes, which should soothe Preds fans' nerves a bit. In addition to his solid defensive play in Game 2, Josi also scored a critical goal that contributed to Nashville's 6-2 rout.
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.
Game 3 coverage
3 p.m. ET | Game 3, Western Conference Round 1
United Arena | Chicago, Ill.
Local: N/A| Nat'l: NBC, SN
Live stream at NBC Live Extra
More coverage: Predators blog | Blackhawks blog
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