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The Chicago Blackhawks were defeated for the ninth straight game on Tuesday in a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators
The road trip from Hell continues for the Chicago Blackhawks, who lost their ninth straight game in Nashville to the Predators 3-2 on Tuesday. Chicago out-shot the Predators 32-19, but Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne was up for the task. The loss drops Chicago to 29-21-7, while the Preds improve to 33-18-6.
Chicago tied the game at two early in the third period when Marian Hoss beat Rinne. Hossa's 21st goal of the season was set up by Duncan Keith. Chicago peppered Nashville with shots throughout the period, but wouldn't score again. Instead, it was Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis who scored with just over five minutes remaining to extend Chicago's losing streak. Ellis' third goal of the season was set up by teammate David Legwand.
Nashville held advantages in faceoffs (29-25) and hits (20-15).
For updates and recaps, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and for more news from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
You can't blame the Chicago Blackhawks for looking a bit tight tonight against the Nashville Predators. After eight straight losses, it's probably inevitable. Two periods are in the books tonight in Nashville, and the Predators lead 2-1. The Blackhawks have out-shot the competition 21-16, but Preds goalie Pekka Rinne has done well to keep pucks out of the net.
The only goal of the second came late in the period when Nashville's Nick Spaling beat Chicago goalie Ray Emery. Spaling's eighth goal of the season was set up by Ryan Ellis and Jordin Tootoo.
There were two penalties in the second. The Blackhawks' Marcus Kruger drew two minutes for hooking on Gabriel Bourque of Nashville. Roman Josi of the Preds also drew two Minutes for tripping Patrick Kane.
For updates and recaps, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and for more news from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to turn the tide on a rough eight-game losing streak on Tuesday night, but they fell behind the Nashville Predators in the opening period. Nashville's Ryan Suter got the scoring started at the 18:20-mark of the period with his seventh goal of the season. Chicago answered in the form of a Bryan Bickell goal about 45 seconds later, and the teams went to the locker room knotted at one.
Related: Cast It Into The Fire: Hawks at Preds Preview/Pregame Thread/Fish Fry
Chicago had the edge in shots on goal in the period, 11-5, and both teams had a pair of power play opportunities. Nashville won 10 of 16 faceoffs and out-hit Chicago 5-1.
For updates and recaps, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and for more news from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
The Chicago Blackhawks (29-20-7, 65 pts) travel to Tennessee on Tuesday to face the Nashville Predators (32-18-6, 70 pts). The Blackhawks bring with them the burden of an 8-game losing streak and a 10-game road losing streak. The Hawks have not won in regulation on the road since December 3, 2011, when they beat the St. Louis Blues 5-2 in St. Louis.
Chicago is looking once again to veteran goalie Ray Emery to guard the net, according to CSN Chicago. Emery (.907 save percentage) gets his fifth consecutive start Tuesday night against the Predators, having earned a chance to take the starting job away from Corey Crawford (.898 SV%).
The Blackhawks defense has allowed 3 or more goals in every one of the last eight games, have allowed 5 or more in half of those games. Last Saturday, the team was shutout by G Mike Smith, so the defense will need to be extra efficient against G Pekka Rinne (.924 SV% and 3rd in the league with 11.0 goalie point shares) who has already orchestrated 4 shutouts on the season.
Game time: 7:00 p.m. CST, Tuesday, Feb. 14
Television: CSN-Chicago
Radio: WGN 720 AM
For updates and recaps, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and for more news from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
The Chicago Blackhawks have lost eight straight games. In hockey, that means one thing: if the coach hasn't been fired already, his seat is certainly getting warm. Today, 'Hawks GM Stan Bowman dispelled the notion that the club could be looking to fire coach Joel Quenneville:
"That's not the concern for me at all," Bowman told Comcast SportsNet Chicago. "I'm very confident in Joel's ability, our coaching staff's ability."
"Our players -- the effort is there," Bowman said. "They're as frustrated as anybody, you can watch it on the ice. It's not working. There's no disputing that, but I don't buy that assertion at all. These players are on board with us. They believe in this group. We're not far. We need to get this turned around, but we're not far from making it work."
Perhaps under normal circumstances, Quenneville would already be gone. The quick trigger with hockey coaches is unparalleled in American professional sports. But by ending a 49-year Stanley Cup drought two seasons ago, Coach Q certainly made himself a favorite among fans and ownership. One thing is for sure: if the 'Hawks don't get back to their winning ways soon, they'll be chances sooner rather than later.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey. For more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
Predators Vs. Blackhawks: Joel Quenneville Discusses Disappointment After Ninth Straight Loss
More: Deja Vu - Hawks lose again
Once looking like one of the elite teams in the NHL as recently as late January, the Chicago Blackhawks have been reeling since with nine consecutive losses. They're still the sixth seed in the Western Conference at this point, but frustration is mounting for a team that previously was eyeing Stanley Cub possibilities.
After a 3-2 defeat against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville spoke with reporters about his frustration. CSN Chicago has the video:
The Blackhawks and Predators were tied at 2-2 late in the third period on Tuesday night before Nashville's Ryan Ellis scored his third goal of the year with a bit less than six minutes remaining to win the game.
For updates and recaps, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and for more news from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.
Feb 15 2:05p by Satchel Price