Wow, what a finish to a great series. As expected, the Nashville Predators came out swinging in the first period of Game 6 yesterday night. Despite the Blackhawks scoring first on a shot from Duncan Keith, the Predators hung tough, tying the score on a Shea Weber goal. The Hawks would then score twice, the first coming on a bizarre play in which Brent Seabrook fired the puck down the wall, intending to dump it in, only to see it ricochet off Patrick Kane's foot into the open net, stunning Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne. Patrick Sharp would then score with assists from Seabrook and Marion Hossa, who was booed loudly by the Nashville fans every time he touched the puck.

But the first period craziness didn't end there. Denied by the Hawk's penalty kill all series, the Predators finally pushed one past Antti Niemi. Captain Jason Arnott, held scoreless in the playoffs, scored with an assist from Patric Hornqvist, the Predators' leading scorer. Hornqvist was playing in his first playoff game of the year, having suffered an injury. Arnott would connect again to tie the score at three apiece with 55 seconds remaining. But the deadlock would be short-lived as Johnny Toews would score the Blackhawks' fourth goal of the period on a power play 24 seconds later.

The score stayed at 4-3 for the remainder of the game as both goalies settled down. The Predators killed off five consecutive penalties in the 2nd as the Hawks failed to capitalize, outshooting Nashville 16-4 in the period. The Preds would get their chances in the third period, outshooting Chicago 15-2 as the Hawks committed three penalties in a row. Antti Niemi was outstanding once again, finishing the night with 25 saves in 28 chances. John Madden would add an empty net goal with 48 seconds remaining to seal the series victory. Neither goalie allowed a goal after the high-scoring first period.

Nashville and Pekka Rinne were outstanding opponents and thankfully the Hawks were able to seal the deal without there being a need for a Game 7. They move on to Round 2, where they will face the hated Vancouver Canucks, who have been spoiling for this matchup since Chicago ousted them from the playoffs last year. This should be a very physical series and hopefully the Hawks continue to play smart hockey and avoid the temptation to skirmish with the Canucks.