The Chicago Blackhawks are playing without leading scorer Jonathan Toews tonight against the Nashville Predators, and through two periods, Toews' absence is very noticeable. The 'Hawks trail Nashville 2-0 at the United Center with one period remaining.
The second period didn't feature any scoring, but there were five penalties handed out, three belonging in Chicago. Nashville's Mike Fisher was whistled for two minutes for tripping Patrick Kane early in the period. Niklas Hjalmarsson drew two minutes for slashing and Duncan Keith drew two minutes for interference. The period ended with fight between Nashville's Brandon Yip and Chicago's Steve Montador that resulted in a five minute major for each.
Nashville is out-shooting the Blackhawks 20-17 through two periods. Chicago holds an advantage in hits (18-12) and faceoff wins (25-13).
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