Hossa’s Overtime Goal Sends Blackhawks Over Predators

By Kelsie Plesac

Celebration was the theme at the United Center Friday night as Blackhawks players and fans celebrated Pat Foley, the voice of the Blackhawks, and a 5-4 victory against the Nashville Predators on Friday night. The Blackhawks honored Foley for his 30th season as play-by-play announcer in Chicago. The Blackhawks also cemented a perfect 5-0 record against the Predators this season.

Duncan Keith tallied the first goal of the game ending the Blackhawks recent power play drought. The goal was Keith’s 3rd of the season and his first in 16 games. However, at 6:31 Matt Halischuck evened the score, tallying his 3rd goal of the season. The Predators pulled ahead at 10:48 with Kevin Henderson’s first goal as a Predator. The goal was assisted by Bobby Butler and Mueller. Brandon Saad would even the score up before first intermission registering his 10th goal of the season.

In the second period, the Blackhawks struck first with Patrick Kane registering his 21st goal of the season at 4:48. However, Halischuck would strike again at 6:31 scoring his 4th goal of the season and his 2nd of the night.

The Blackhawks regained the lead at 10:07 with Michal Handzus registering his 2nd goal of the season and his 1st as a Hawk. The goal was unassisted. The Predators would tie the score though at 16:26 with Butler scoring his 4th goal of the season. At 19:14 the Predators were a man down with a Rich Klune high-sticking four minute penalty. The penalty would carry over into overtime, where Marian Hossa would end the game with a power play goal (his 17th goal of the season).

The win brings the Blackhawks to 34-5-4 and the Predators to 15-21-9. The Hawks next match-up will take place Saturday night at home against the Phoenix Coyotes.