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Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators’ 3 Key Players In Stanley Cup Playoffs

By Gregory Bradshaw

Apr 8, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) in the second period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) in the second period of the game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) warms up prior to the game against Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) warms up prior to the game against Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports /

Three key players for the Nashville Predators

Pekka Rinne

The last time the Chicago Blackhawks met Nashville in the playoffs was during the 2014-15 season (we all know how that year ended!). Without any question, Rinne was dominant all season long in arguably the best season of his career. Rinne, despite the end result of the series, played remarkably well against the Chicago Blackhawks.

This season has been pretty solid for the 34-year-old netminder, but he’s nowhere close to his last playoff visit with the ‘Hawks. We shall see if Rinne can rekindle the fire he possessed against the ‘Hawks. But one thing is certain: The Predators will be in a world of hurt if Rinne isn’t up to par.

Chicago Blackhawks

P.K. Subban

In possibly the biggest blockbuster trade of the offseason, Subban found himself traded to Nashville from Montreal in a swap for Shea Weber.

While Weber and Montreal got off to a wonderful start to the season, Subban and the Predators went in the opposite direction. Subban began to find his game and finished the year decently with 10 goals and 30 assists.

Subban is a huge talent and obviously a huge steal for the Nashville Predators. But the biggest part of the Subban addition is the experience and the energy.

In the final matchup of the regular season between the ‘Hawks and Preds, we saw Nashville seemingly take its foot off the pedal as the Brian Campbell scored the game winner.

Lazy play is exactly the opposite way to play the Chicago Blackhawks. Subban must bring life to his Nashville Predators.

Ryan Johansen

The No. 1 playmaker for the Nashville Predators will have to play with a chip on his shoulder if he hopes for his team to see the second round. Johansen was a huge addition to last year’s squad from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The former first-round pick provided an immediate boost to Nashville and continues to play at a high level for the Predators with 14 goals and 47 assists this year.

The 47 assists is the big number to look at here with Johansen. Johansen has a knack for getting involved in the rush and making things happen offensively for the Predators. His playmaking ability is what the Predators will need in order to defeat the Chicago Blackhawks in this first-round reunion. When the puck is on Johansen’s stick, nine times out of 10 he makes something happen.

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