Predators stunned by Blackhawks
The Nashville Predators were on the verge of stealing home-ice advantage, seconds away from grabbing a 3-2 series lead in their first round affair against the heavily favored Chicago Blackhawks. Not only were they leading by a goal with less than a minute remaining, but Chicago star Marian Hossa sat in the penalty box after drawing a major penalty, meaning that even after the Blackhawks pulled their goalie, it was still just 5-on-5.
But Patrick Kane stunned the Predators by scoring with 13.6 seconds left to send the game into overtime. And then, just seconds after exiting the penalty box, Hossa netted the game-winner to give the Blackhawks a 5-4 win and a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
The dramatics were not without controversy, though. Hossa earned his major penalty late in the game after shoving Nashville’s Dan Hamhuis into the boards, who was injured and had to leave the game. Many analysts have voiced their displeasure about the officiating, saying that Hossa should have been ejected from the game. And there’s a consensus that the Chicago star should undoubtedly be suspended for Game 6.
Even if Hossa is forced to sit, it’s difficult to envision the Predators winning two straight to steal the series. Game 5 was Nashville’s best and possibly only chance to grab control of the series despite the talent discrepancy. But after the controversial ending the Game 5, expect the home crowd to create a deafening, hostile environment in Game 6.
