NHL Playoffs 2010: Chicago Blackhawks Lay an Egg in Playoff Opener vs. Nashville

This was supposed to be "The Year".

Yes, after a long run in last year's playoffs the No. 2 seeded Chicago Blackhawks were expected to compete for Lord Stanley's Cup this year.

And while they still may, they certainly did not get off to a good start at the United Center Friday night.

The Blackhawks found a way to lose to the seventh-seeded Nashville Predators.

Wow.

First of all, what kind of name is "Predators" for a professional sports team?

The name sounds more like a band of creepy old guys who should be registering online and not living close to a school district.

Nevertheless, they beat the favored Chicago Blackhawks 4-1.

While it's only one game, it not only switches the momentum, but it gives the Preds home ice advantage, something the Blackhawks worked so hard all season for.

Now, to be fair, we all need to give Nashville's netminder some credit. But if the Blackhawks don't score more goals and take better care of the puck in their own end, this season could end horribly.

Look, anything short of a Stanley Cup Finals appearance would be a miserable failure for a Blackhawks team that while young, is also stacked.

Meanwhile, don't blame the goaltending. If you going to point fingers, blame the offense, or lack thereof.

Hopefully, the Blackhawks can come back and take this series. But to a team that has never won a series, this is a huge victory.

The Blackhawks perfomance tonight was embarrassing. The Indian is shedding a tear right now.