NHL playoff scores 2017: The Blackhawks suddenly can’t score

It’s time to start worrying about the Chicago Blackhawks.

They have a roster filled to the gills with talented scorers that show up in big playoff moments. Names like Jonathan Toews, Artemi Panarin, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Kane normally strike fear into the hearts of opposing teams. However, against the Nashville Predators defense and Pekka Rinne’s goaltending, they’ve been held scoreless twice.

And with the series headed back to Nashville as the Blackhawks face a two-game deficit, things aren’t looking good.

Credit where it’s due, the Predators are shutting down the Blackhawks in every way. Rinne has 59 saves through two games, and Nashville’s defense has halted the explosive Blackhawks offense in every which way. In addition to the nearly 60 pucks Rinne has stopped, the Predators defense has blocked 41 shots through the first two games of this series.

We knew that the Predators had an excellent defense, but to see them completely frustrate the Blackhawks top scorers is quite unprecedented. It also helps that they scored early once again and eventually built on that with a five-goal showing.

Now, all the pressure is on the Blackhawks to take at least one, if not both of the games in Nashville. Considering the barn they are about to enter, however, it will be no small task.

Senators 4, Bruins 3 (OT)
Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 3 (2OT)
Predators 5, Blackhawks 0
Ducks 3, Flames 2

1. The Capitals and Maple Leafs were made for overtime

To the surprise of no one, the Capitals and Maple Leafs played in overtime for the second straight game. Washington tied the game in the third period, but after a pair of overtimes it was Kasperi Kapanen that got the winning goal to even the series 1-1.

Instead of a Capitals sweep headed into Toronto, it’s back to square one. What a fun evening Monday is shaking out to be.

2. Ottawa has made it a series

Saturday’s early game saw Boston lose a two-goal lead as the Senators took Game 2 in overtime by a score of 4-3. Erik Karlsson was the catalyst for the comeback, as he has been for the Senators all season long, thanks to this incredible play to tie the game in the third period.

3. Calgary will never win again at the Honda Center

The Ducks have now won 29 straight games at home dating back over 10 years as Anaheim now leads the series 2-0.

Unfortunately for the Flames, they lost in the most heartbreaking way with an own-goal off the skate of Lance Bouma in the final moments of the game.

Roman Polak is done for the season after a nasty hit caused the defenseman to fall on his leg and twist it in a way no leg should go.