What is going on with the Chicago Blackhawks? After being one of the most dominant teams all season long, the Blackhawks are on the verge of being eliminated from the online NHL betting playoffs by the Nashville Predators in the first round. Currently Chicago is staring down the barrel of a gun; a 0-3 deficit heading into Game 4. Even if the B-Hawks are able to scrum together a win Thursday evening, they’ve dug themselves so deep that it’s hard to imagine them actually advancing to the second round.

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Nevertheless, the Blackhawks will take to the ice to try and defend their historic franchise’s honor. Additionally, this online NHL betting Thursday, the Blue Jackets and Penguins will complete their Game 5 (Pittsburgh leads 3-1), the Rangers and Canadiens will compete in Game 5 as well (series is tied 2-2) and the Sharks will also have their Game 5 match against the Edmonton Oilers (series is tied 2-2). But even amongst these eye-catching pairings, the possibility of Chicago getting shut out by Nashville is too alluring to pass up.

Game 4 – Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators – April 20^th

When: 8:00 pm ET

Where: Bridgestone Arena

TV: NBC

Series: Nashville Leads 3-0

Hockey Playoff Odds:

Chicago Blackhawks +1 ½ (-285) 5 (-140) +105

Nashville Predators -1 ½ (+243) 5 (+120) -125

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks were able to improve off last year’s success and turned in a 50-23-9 record that gave way to a 1^st place finish in the Central Division, and a 1^st place finish in the Western Conference as well. In last season’s playoffs, the Blackhawks were also eliminated in the first round, albeit they put up a much bigger fight as the series went to the full 7 games. Making back to back playoffs doesn’t amount to much if you’re unable to get past the first round.

The biggest problem Chicago has had in this year’s online NHL betting postseason is that their offense has completely disappeared. In three games, the Blackhawks have only been able to score twice. Contrasted against the 9 goals they’ve allotted, and it’s easy to understand why Chicago is down three games to none. The Blackhawks finished the regular season with the NHL’s 9^th best offense, so it’s anyone’s guess where they’re offensive firepower escaped to.

Nashville Predators

The Predators snuck into the playoffs last season, and this year they made it by a hair’s length. Nashville turned in a 41-29-12 that allowed the franchise to finish 4^th in the Central Division and 8^th in the Western Conference, just barely snagging the last spot in the postseason. This year’s playoff appearance marks the 3^rd year straight that Nashville has qualified for the postseason.

The Predators will be looking shutout Chicago later on this evening once again. The Predators finished the regular season with the league’s 15^th best defense, but there’s no doubt their squad has stepped it up in this series.