Chicago Blackhawks open Stanley Cup Playoffs against rival Predators -

The Chicago Blackhawks will open the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the team’s ninth consecutive appearance in the postseason, against the Nashville Predators in a best-of-seven First Round series.

Chicago finished the season with a 50-23-9 record (109 points) and earned the top seed in the Western Conference. The Blackhawks nine consecutive postseasons is currently the 2nd longest active streak behind Pittsburgh’s eleven straight appearances.

This year marks the third Stanley Cup Playoff match up between Chicago and Nashville. Chicago went 4-1 this season against the Predators and have won the past two playoff series against Nashville. The last time Chicago and Nashville played in the first round, Chicago went on to win the 2015 Stanley Cup.

CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 15: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates by hoisting the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2-0 in Game Six to win the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 557667057

Nashville has been known for its drastic measures to keep Blackhawks fans out of Bridgestone Arena. Their infamous move is to not sell tickets to fans living close to the Chicago zip code on Ticketmaster and other internet sites. Chicago fans have still found ways to get their tickets and flood a sea of red throughout Bridgestone Arena through the likes of StubHub and SeatGeek.

Game 1 of the series begins …..

My Prediction : BLACKHAWKS 4-2

#LetsGoHawks

#OneGoal