Stalock's 35 saves lead Blackhawks over Predators 2-1
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock (32) blocks a shot by Nashville Predators right wing Luke Evangelista (77) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Mark Zaleski
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alex Stalock made 35 saves to lead the Chicago Blackhawks over the Nashville Predators 2-1 on Thursday night. Lukas Reichel and Joey Anderson scored for Chicago, which has won two straight.
Roman Josi scored late and Juuse Saros stopped 19 shots for Nashville, which had its three-game winning streak snapped. The Predators trail Winnipeg by four points in the race for the Western Conference’s second wild-card berth. Nashville has played three fewer games than the Jets.
Reichel was credited with the game’s first goal with 47 seconds remaining in the opening period.
The Blackhawks entered the Nashville zone on a 2-on-1 break. On the left side, Reichel’s pass attempt was blocked by the stick of sliding Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro. The puck deflected off Fabbro’s stick and on net. Saros stopped it, but Fabbro’s momentum caused him to crash into Saros and knock both the goaltender and the puck into the net in the process.
Stalock denied Matt Duchene on a penalty shot at 13:40 of the second period. On the attempt, Duchene fumbled the puck and did not get much on a wrist shot that was easily turned aside by Stalock.
The penalty shot was awarded when Stalock was whistled for throwing his stick as Nashville’s Rasmus Asplund stickhandled behind the Chicago net.
Stalock’s best save of the game came at 11:15 of the first, when he denied Philip Tomasino on a breakaway. Tomasino tried to snap a wrist shot between Stalock’s pads, but the goaltender was able to squeeze them together just in time.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock (32) blocks a penalty shot by Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Mark Zaleski
Anderson added an insurance goal at 8:01 of the third off an assist from Boris Katchouk, who has four points in his last two games.
Josi spoiled Stalock's shutout bid with 24.5 seconds remaining and Saros pulled for an extra skater.
STREAK HALTED
Nashville had earned at least one in 16 straight games against Chicago, going 13-0-3 during that span. The Predators won the season series 2-1, with both previous matchups played in Chicago.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock (32) gloves a shot by the Nashville Predators during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Mark Zaleski
Stalock improved to 2-6-1 against Nashville.
UP NEXT
Blackhawks: Will visit Arizona on Saturday.
Predators: Host the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday afternoon.
