Blackhawks beat Predators to take a 2-1 lead

Scott Darling (No 33) of the Chicago Blackhawks dives to the knock the puck away on a shot by Viktor Stalberg of the Nashville Predators in game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in Chicago. (AFP)

By Chris Hine/Chicago TribuneBehind a three-goal second period, the Blackhawks defeated the Predators 4-2 on Sunday in Game 3 of their playoff series at the United Center to take a 2-1 series lead.Coach Joel Quenneville made a few changes to his lineup in addition to starting goaltender Scott Darling over Corey Crawford.Antoine Vermette and Andrew Desjardins, both trade deadline acquisitions for the Hawks, saw their first action of the series, replacing Joakim Nordstrom and Teuvo Teravainen.Darling made 35 saves. Desjardins thanks Quenneville by scoring at 14 minutes, 48 seconds of the first period to give the Hawks an early 1-0 lead.  The Hawks’ lead wouldn’t last long. The Predators would score 31 seconds later with Mike Ribeiro beating Darling with a clean look from in the slot. But then the Hawks took over in the second period.Jonathan Toews would put the Hawks back on top, scoring on a wrist shot from near the top of the right circle 36 seconds into the second, but once again, the Predators wasted little time in answering, scoring 22 seconds later on a slap shot from Mattias Ekholm. After Mattia Ekholm tied it up 22 seconds later, the Hawks wasted little time regaining the lead, this time for good. Brandon Saad would scored on a wrist shot on a breakaway at 3:38 to make it 3-2. Later in the period, the Hawks generated a number of chances against Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, who stood tall against most of them until Brent Seabrook managed to get one by Rinne from the slot to make it 4-2 at 12:41.Without defenseman Shea Weber, the Predators allowed two goals to the Hawks top line while Darling held his own in net for Crawford. Weber, who did not make the trip to Chicago, won’t play in Game 4.