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

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The Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators will once again meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in what will be another display of the ever-growing rivalry between the two teams and cities

May I have your attention, Chicago Blackhawks fans? Please run to your closets and immediately put on something red. Particularly something that may have an Indian head on it! This is not a drill, Blackhawks fans! The Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and that means its crunch time for the boys in red to work to establish Chicago’s “One Goal”.

In what has the making of another exciting opener to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks will find themselves in familiar territory as they face the Nashville Predators.

Although Nashville was given the nod around the hockey world to be one of the stronger teams in the NHL prior to the 2016-17 season, these Predators managed to fall short of expectations.

However, it’s playoff time and here we see the Predators stuck around to clinch a playoff berth with our Chicago Blackhawks.

Hockey has been referred to as the game of “puck luck,” meaning that almost anything can happen. Throughout the course of watching an entire NHL season, nearly any fan could tell you they have seen their fair share of bad bounces or even lucky bounces leading to goals or other golden opportunities. Hence the phrase, “puck luck.”

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.

Three key players for Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford

Crow’s last meeting in the playoffs with the Nashville Predators is certainly one that he would love to forget. Crawford has played brilliantly all season long, and so the ‘Hawks will hope Crow can continue this high level of play that has helped keep Chicago in contention.

Crawford’s last playoff meeting with the Preds ended up with backup goalie Scott Darling stealing the show and saving the ‘Hawks playoff hopes. If it weren’t for Darling, the Predators would have most likely found themselves rewarded with another round. Crawford must play big if Chicago wants to achieve that seventh Cup. The Blackhawks simply can’t rely on Darling to step in and save the day.

Duncan Keith

The true workhorse for the Chicago Blackhawks must once again imitate his Conn Smythe year. Keith represents the pedigree of the Chicago Blackhawks. Relentlessness and reliability is what makes Keith unlike any other defenseman in the NHL. Keith will be called upon for extra shifts and massive minutes.

Keith put together another great season for the Blackhawks with six goals and 47 assists along with an All-Star appearance. But do you remember the title of “workhorse” I gave Keith earlier? Those of you who are familiar with the theory of Keith possibly being a cyborg may not be at all shocked by the next stat I give you.

Keith averaged 25:37 on ice this year. And just how does Keith do this year in and year out? There’s no definitive answer, but Keith will be asked to take on a whole lot more minutes during the playoffs.

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews

Is it fair to put the two cornerstone players for the Blackhawks into this discussion together? I’d say so. The Chicago Blackhawks play at their best when Toews and Kane play at their best. There’s no question to that statement. Therefore, the Blackhawks will expect their franchise superstars to once again rise to the occasion.

Toews started the season in an offensive slump, which brought forth many questions regarding the Blackhawks captain. This slump was eventually broken, and soon after we watched the Chicago Blackhawks take over the Central Division and the Western Conference. Toews will have to hone in on his faceoff ability and hope to keep his scoring touch alive in this matchup.

Toews: "The real season begins. Obviously, we want to see what we’re made of, and I think we’re all pretty confident what we’re able to do."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 9, 2017

There’s much to be mentioned about Kane and his yearly offensive outbursts. 89 points (34 goals 55 assists) marked Kane’s second-best season point-wise after last year’s Art Ross and Hart Trophy campaign.

Kaner is the focal point to the Blackhawks in the O-zone. He’s a nightmare for opposing goaltenders and skaters, and draws pretty much all attention. The Chicago Blackhawks will need Kane to skate strong and put up his fair share of points. The more Chelsea Dagger chants, the better!

Next: 5 Reasons Blackhawks Will Beat Predators

We hope you enjoyed this segment of Blackhawk Up’s playoff coverage. Make sure to read on with the outstanding contributions from our group of experts. What do you think of the key players selected in this article? Your feedback is always appreciated! As always, let’s go ‘Hawks!

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