Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators First-Round Stanley Cup Playoffs Opponents

The Chicago Blackhawks learned their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs opponent Saturday, as the Nashville Predators lost their way into the second wild card

An interesting ending to an otherwise nondescript game between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets on Saturday sealed the Chicago Blackhawks’ first-round postseason fate.

The Jets tallied a shorthanded goal with less than a minute to play in regulation, leading to a comeback 2-1 win over the Preds. With that result, Calgary clinched the first wild card, leaving Nashville with the second.

That means the Blackhawks and Predators will match up in the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ first round for the third time since 2010. Both of the first two showdowns went to the Blackhawks by 4-2 margins.

The Blackhawks dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday playing most of their regular lineup. The Kings tallied with less than a minute to play in regulation as well and put up the winner in OT.

The Blackhawks will enter the postseason with 109 points on the power of 50 wins (46 in regulation/overtime). The Predators will start with 94 points on the strength of 41 wins (39 in regulation/overtime).

Chicago Blackhawks

Quick glance at the Predators

Many thought Nashville would be a lot better than it has been this season. The team was out of the playoff chase for a good half of the season before waking up in January and early February.

This team still has a lot of familiar names, led by goaltender Pekka Rinne. Among the star forwards are Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and, much to the surprise of many, Viktor Arvidsson. Forsberg and Arvidsson lead the Preds with 61 points apiece, while Johansen has 58.

On defense, a killer duo of P.K. Subban and Roman Josi awaits. The Preds were expected to have one of the league’s deepest defensive units, but it hasn’t stopped them from giving up 2.73 goals per game.

The Preds know what it’s like to try and take control against the Blackhawks but ultimately fall short. In 2010, a Marian Hossa goal off a 5-minute penalty was the big blow, while in 2015 the Preds blew a three-goal first-period lead in Game 1 to set up their demise.

This series will certainly be recognized for the hostility invoked by the Predators’ home arena. Nashville will no doubt try to “keep the red out” once again, and no doubt fail once again. Hopefully, Blackhawks fans only have to worry about this twice this postseason.

We’ll learn more about possible starting dates for this series soon. The Stanley Cup Playoffs start Wednesday, at any rate, so the Blackhawks and Predators will kick off either Wednesday or Thursday — likely at a ridiculously late hour.

Next: Blackhawks' Safety Lineup For Final Game

Head back to Blackhawk Up ahead of the series, as we have tons of fun and insightful content ready to throw at Blackhawks and Predators fans alike.