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Blackhawks vs. Predators: Game 4 prediction

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) scores past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) and lands on defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Nashville won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) scores past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) and lands on defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Nashville won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the Nashville Predators pull off a sweep of the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday?

Going into the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Chicago Blackhawks were listed as the favorites to lift Lord Stanley. However, the Nashville Predators didn’t get this memo, as they have won the first three games of the series against them. On Thursday, the Preds will try to sweep the Hawks in front of their home crowd in Nashville.

This is unfamiliar territory for the Blackhawks. They’re used to having success in the postseason. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane find themselves in the first 3-0 series hole of their respective careers. A comeback doesn’t appear to be very possible, especially not after a 3-2 Game 3 loss on Monday. Despite playing their best game of the series, Chicago still couldn’t mount enough offense to top the Predators.

On the other side of the ice, Nashville will look to beat Chicago in a playoff series for the first time in franchise history. They’d avenge their first round loss in 2015 to the Hawks with a win in Game 4. Pekka Rinne has been stellar for the Predators despite a less than ideal regular season. Ryan Johansen leads the team with five points. Filip Forsberg has four points and is tied with Kevin Fiala for the team lead with two goals. Roman Josi and P.K. Subban lead a blue line that has held Chicago to merely two goals in the first three games of the series.

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Prediction

Chicago won’t go down without a fight. They’re going to win at least Game 4. While they probably won’t win the remaining three games of the series, it’s hard to see Toews and company going down in the postseason by being swept. The Hawks have too much pride to go down that easy.

Blackhawks win 3-1

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