Predators look im-Pekka-ble

CHICAGO - When the Nashville Predators weren't getting in front of shots or jamming the passing lanes on Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, goalie Pekka Rinne was there to slam the door.

Rinne made 29 saves and Viktor Arvidsson scored the only goal as the Preds won the opening game of their best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal, 1-0.

"It's a good confidence-booster for us," the 34-year-old Rinne said after posting the franchise's first road playoff shutout.

Game 2 is Saturday night at United Center.

"We've got to keep on it," Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis said.

"Chicago played a great game, but Peks was phenomenal for us. We defended hard, but I think we're going to have to attack more and create more chances."

Corey Crawford had 19 saves in the Blackhawks net.

"We've got to be a lot more desperate around the net to fight for position and pay the price, whatever's there," said Chicago coach Joel Quenneville.

The Blackhawks, who won the Central Division with the most points in the Western Conference, are going for their fourth Stanley Cup championship in the past eight seasons.

They eliminated Nashville during two of those championship runs, including in 2015 when the Predators blew leads of 3-0 in Game 1 and 3-1 in Game 6 of their quarterfinal series.

This time, they held on - thanks to a dazzling performance by Rinne.

Associated Press