The Predators will pursue Lord Stanley's Cup in the NHL postseason by virtue of a decisive 2-1 shootout victory over Chicago. Nashville's Saturday night victory at the Gaylord Entertainment Center clinched the team's 2nd consecutive playoff berth.
Battling constant adversity lately, the Predators looked as if they might give another game away to an overmatched opponent. Despite dominating Chicago in scoring chances, the Blackhawk's goalie would not give up a goal until 16:02 of the third period. Mark Eaton let fly a shot from just inside the blueline that finally beat Craig Anderson. After a scoreless overtime, Erat and Kariya beat Anderson in the shootout while Chris Mason stoned the Blackhawk's two chances.
The home crowd was treated to a classic NHL battle. Despite an injury depleted squad, the Predators cleary had an edge on Chicago which is just playing out the string. But even so, a hot goalie can win it on his own. It looked like Craig Anderson would do just that as he stopped 42 of 43 shots on goal while his teamates could only manage 24.
The crowd seemed to come alive as the third period ticked away with the home team still scoreless. Fans groaned again and again as incredible scoring chances were turned away again and again. But after Eaton scored, there was a sigh of relief and though the issue was still in doubt - it really wasn't.
The big cats will need destiny on their sides to go deep in the playoffs. The end to the regular season has been a struggle due to injuries. It doesn't seem like enough of the key ingredients will be in the mix soon enough. Backup goalie Chris Mason is going to get his chance to prove himself - after two consecutive victories he just might be able to pull it off.
