Nashville Predators 3, Chicago Blackhawks 1
United Center; Chicago, Illinois
January 24, 2012
***
LEFTOVER THOUGHTS:
* Brian McGrattan, Jerred Smithson and Francis Bouillon (injured) were scratched by the Preds.
* Chicago captain (and leading goal scorer) Jonathan Toews missed the game due to injury.
* Craig Smith‘s tally was his first non-power play goal since November 9.
* Matt Halischuk picked up an assist on Smith’s goal. It’s only his fifth helper of the year.
* Brandon Yip had a decent scrap with Steve Montador late in the second period. It was all Montador early on, lots of hugging in the middle and then all Yip at the end.
* It was Yip’s first fight since February 3, 2011.
* Pekka Rinne extended his own franchise record with his ninth consecutive win.
* Rinne has allowed just 12 goals in that nine-game span.
* The Preds netminder won his 10th game this month, a new personal best (10 wins in a month).
* Nashville is now 16-2-4 when Mike Fisher registers a point. (stick tap to Ryan Porth of smashville 24/7 for that stat)
* Chicago’s Dave Bolland did more than just score their only goal. He also went 17-3 in the face-off dot.
* Colin Wilson led all Preds with four shot on goal.
THE THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
1) Pekka Rinne (NSH)
2) Dave Bolland (CHI)
3) Mike Fisher (NSH)
