Martin Erat silenced the once-booming United Center with two goals as the Nashville Predators administered the rope-a-dope on a stunned Chicago Blackhawks team. As of this writing, the Predators are up 4-3 with about 5:30 left in the third period.
Mental mistakes continue to beguile Chicago. A powerplay turnover lead to a Joel Ward shorthanded goal, turning a 3-1 game into an eventual 4-3 stunner.
Still, the Blackhawks are one of those teams who can make you nervous every time they hold the puck. This team really went all-in on this season. Despite their youth, it would be a huge letdown if the Predators bounce them from the first round.