CHICAGO (AP) – This time, the Chicago Blackhawks made a big play at a key moment against the Nashville Predators.
Brandon Saad scored his sixth goal 3:05 into overtime, and the Blackhawks beat the Predators 2-1 on Saturday night in their first meeting since last year’s playoffs.
Saad beat Pekka Rinne with a one-timed deflection as he cut across the crease from the left side, making the most of a pinpoint cross-ice pass from Patrick Kane.
“It always feels nice to contribute to wins,” Saad said. “It was just a great pass. I hopped on the ice, and Kaner makes a great tic-tac-toe play.”
Corey Crawford had 37 saves for Chicago, which wasted six power-play chances. The Blackhawks were swept by the Predators in the first round of the postseason last April.