The Blackhawks' Tuesday night tilt with the Nashville Predators at the United Center was Chicago's first game without injured star Jonathan Toews, and it showed. The Blackhawks' offense was punchless throughout the night in a 3-1 defeat to the Predators, the team's second straight loss to Nashville. The win moves Nashville into a tie with the 'Hawks in the Western Conference standings. Both teams have 64 points, but Nashville holds a tie-breaker with more victories. The loss drops Chicago to sixth in the conference standings.
Chicago finally found the scoreboard in the third period when Dave Bolland scored his 15th goal of the season on a power play. The score was set-up by Marian Hossa and defenseman Nick Leddy.
Despite a few quality shots on net in the final two minutes, Nashville goaltender Pekka Rinne kept Chicago's offense at bay and sealed the victory for the Predators. Nashville would add an empty-net goal by Colin Wilson to reach the final score of 3-1.
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