April 26--It didn't take long for the Predators to strike, and they struck in devastating fashion early. But the Hawks haven't backed down
The Predators scored three goals within the first 12 minutes of the game and lead the Hawks 3-2.
The fast start for the Predators caused Hawks coach Joel Quenneville to pull goaltender Scott Darling in favor of Corey Crawford.
James Neal was responsible for most of the damage. Neal knifed his was through the Hawks defense and beat Darling from in close on a backhand shot for the first goal of the game at 1 minute, 10 seconds.
Then, as they have most of the series, the Predators capitalized on another Hawks penalty with Neal deflecting in a shot from Cody Franson at 8:09.
Neal, one of the Predators' most dangerous players, had a slow start to the series but now has four goals in the playoffs.
The Hawks got one back at 10:36 when Patrick Sharp sent in a puck that deflected off the boards following a shot from Duncan Keith.
But the Predators, who have shown quick strike ability most of the series, scored 39 seconds later on a goal from Matt Cullen.
The Hawks pulled within one after scoring on a power play of their own when Jonathan Toews scored on a rebound in front of the net at 12:14.
The Hawks featured no line changes or new players on the ice from Games 3, 4 and 5.
