For the second year in a row, the Blackhawks return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Last year on TMS, as Arcturus, I brought you recaps via the Gist on Ice. Now as Goreo, I present to you Exile on Madison, which is essentially the same thing, only with a snazzy new name.

At one point in the game on Saturday, the Blackhawks led the Nashville Predators 3-1. Then things went very wrong. Three Nashville goals later, the Hawks found themselves down 4-3. With 1:43 left on the clock, Marion Hossa was assessed a 5 minute major penalty for boarding Nashville's Dan Hamhuis. Things looked very bleak indeed. Nashville went on the power play as the clock wound down. The Hawks managed to get the puck down to the Predators' end and with 13.6 seconds remaining, Patrick Kane tied the game, scoring on a Jonathon Toews rebound. With Nashville still on the power play, the game moved into overtime. The Blackhawks were able to kill the penalty and move once again into Predator territory. Fresh from the penalty box, Marion Hossa was able to slip a shot past Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne for the sudden death win.

What a crazy game. The Hossa penalty is probably going to remain controversial, despite the league's decision not to suspend him. The hit in question did look similar to the one Alex Ovechkin delivered to the Hawks' Brian Campbell earlier this season. Campbell suffered a broken collarbone and Sunday was just his second game since the incident. Ovechkin was kicked out of the game and suspended for two more, whereas Hossa only received a 5 minute major and no suspension. Hossa said that he was unable to stop his motion as he was going for the puck and shoved Hamhuis into the boards. Hossa did appear to be concerned about Hamhuis, leaning over him after play was stopped.

It's awesome that the Hawks were able to come back and win in such a spectacular fashion, but it's a little concerning that they pissed away a 2 goal lead like they did. Goalie Antti Niemi has been really damn good, but could use a little more help from his defense, especially in removing opposing players who attempt to screen his vision. The Hawks also need to work harder on avoiding turnovers. The series returns to Nashville tonight, where the Blackhawks hope to put the Predators away. They'll need to be on top of their game, as the Preds figure to come out hard.