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Blackhawks ride Darling to Game 3 victory, regain series lead on Predators

David Banks / Reuters

Scott Darling stopped 35 shots and Jonathan Toews chipped in a goal and an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks rode a mid-game offensive outburst to a 4-2 victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series Sunday.

The Blackhawks scored three goals in just over 12 minutes in the second period, including a pair within a three minute span. Toews, Brandon Saad and Brent Seabrook gave Chicago a lead they would not relinquish.

Chicago now leads the series 2-1.

Star Performer: Darling settled down after struggling early in the game. He stopped 16-of-17 shots in the second period and denied all nine Nashville shots in the third.

Turning Point: Saad's goal broke a pattern of the teams exchanging quick markers, and it held up as the eventual game-winner.

Goalie Comparison: Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne had a disappointing day, while Darling shone in his second career playoff appearance.

Goalie Shots GA Saves SV%
Rinne 30 4 26 .867
Darling 37 2 35 .946

Top Highlight: There were six goals in the game, but the play everyone will be talking about happened along the boards.

Predators forward Mike Ribeiro punched Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw in the face while Shaw was sitting on the bench late in the game.

Well this is just a total garbage hit on a guy who wasn't even playing.

Stat of the Day: The Blackhawks improved to 26-0-0 when leading after two periods this season, as FOX Sports' Kristopher Martel drew attention to during the game.

Series at a Glance:

Game 1: Blackhawks 4, Predators 3 (OT)
Game 2: Predators 6, Blackhawks 2
Game 3: Blackhawks 4, Predators 2
Game 4: Tuesday, April 21, 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Thursday, April 23, TBA
Game 6*: Saturday, April 25, TBA
Game 7*: Monday, April 27, TBA

*If necessary

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