The Nashville Predators host Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarters, Tuesday April 20, against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Hawks won Game 2, 2-0 as -240 home favs and now the series is tied at one apiece. NHL oddsmakers at SBGGLOBAL.com have the Blackhawks as -145 moneyline road favorites over the Predators (+125) with the over/under set at 5 goals . Be sure to get your 2010 NHL Playoffs: 2010 NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators Game 3 Odds & Prediction in now at SBGGLOBAL.com
The Blackhawks blanked the Preds 2-0 in Game 2 as the action heads to Nashville. The Hawks got goals from David Bolland and Patrick Kane, while Antti Niemi stopped 23 of 23 shots for his first playoff shutout. Kane nailed two goals and an assist in the first two games of the series. "The big games are fun for me," Kane, 21, said. "You put pressure on yourself to play well in these games and try to help your team out as best as you can. Patrick Kane has shown up as the leading scorer in the series and has 11 goals and six assists in 18 career playoff games . Since 1994, the No. 7 seed has defeated the No. 2 seed 46.3% of the time (14 of 30). The seventh-seeded Predators are looking for the first playoff series win in franchise history, and are 6-6 all-time in the postseason at home. Chicago winger Patrick Sharp has an assist in both Games 1 and 2. Niemi is coming off a 23-save shutout in Game 2, and has stopped 45 of 47 shots in two games. J.P Dumont has 2 goals and David Legwand has 2 assists for Nashville, and both did all their damage in Game 1. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne has stopped 53 of 57 shots in a win and a loss. Chicago is 1-for-7 thus far on the power play, and Nashville has failed to convert on its seven chances.
The Predators took seven minor penalties, were forced to try to kill off five Blackhawks power plays and eventually surrendered the game-winning goal with Jordin Tootoo planted in the penalty box. It was a far less disciplined effort than the Predators had displayed in upending the Blackhawks in Game 1. I thought we were pretty good five-on-five and early on in the second period, we carried the play for a lot of it,’’ Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis said. “But we hurt ourselves by letting them be on the power play so much. We took three penalties in a row there and it really energized them.’’ Coach Barry Trotz said it looks promising for leading goal-scorer Patric Hornqvist to return to the lineup for Game 3 after missing Game 2 with an upper body injury.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Under is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings.
- Blackhawks are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
- Predators are 7-0 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
- Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. Central.
- Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Blackhawks are 4-0 in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
- Blackhawks are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators
When: Tuesday April 21, 2010 9:00 PM ET
Line: SBGGLOBAL.com
Pick: Preds +125
Point-Spreads.com 2010 NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators Game 3 Odds & Predictions
The Bottom Line: The Preds will do better at home with a raucous crowd. Be sure to get your 2010 NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks vs Nashville Predators Game 3 Odds & Predictions in now at SBGGLOBAL.com and receive up to 260% in Cash Bonuses and start winning today!
