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

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.

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!