Blackhawks vs. Predators: Game 1 Score, Twitter Reaction from 2015 NHL Playoffs

Everybody catch your breath—that was just Game 1.

The Chicago Blackhawks stole Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Nashville Predators in double overtime, 4-3. The veteran-laden Blackhawks overcame an early 3-0 deficit, a goalie switch and a raucous Nashville crowd to take a 1-0 lead in the series and establish momentum moving forward.

Defenseman Duncan Keith buried the game-winner in the back of the net in double overtime, but goalie Scott Darling was the star of the evening after he replaced starter Corey Crawford at the beginning of the second period.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune passed along a quote from Darling, while David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune noted that this was a devastating way to lose for the Predators:

In fitting fashion given how unlikely a three-goal comeback with a backup goalie is in the first place, Keith was an unexpected source for the game-winner, as ESPN Stats & Info pointed out: 

Despite the loss, the Predators could not have asked for a better start at home, and they scored three goals in the first period to jump out to a commanding 3-0 lead. Two of them came from Colin Wilson, and the Blackhawks looked shell-shocked by the time the first 20 minutes ended.

Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago pointed out that the Blackhawks had nobody but itself to blame:

Chicago coach Joel Quenneville responded by pulling Crawford in what turned out to be a genius move. Darling did not allow a single goal for the rest of the game and kept his team within striking distance during a critical second period. The Chicago Blackhawks and Powers both praised Darling's efforts:

With Darling locking up the net, the Blackhawks came roaring back in the second period and tied the game at three. Niklas Hjalmarsson, Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews scored, and Patrick Kane assisted on two of the goals in his first game back since he fractured his clavicle.

Powers foreshadowed what was to come after the momentum-shifting second period:

Both defenses stepped up in the third period and forced overtime with the game tied at three. Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times pointed out that the game in Nashville was probably more important for the Predators, especially given their hot start:

Each team had chances in overtime but failed to score, and Lazerus acknowledged that Chicago was making a habit of playing thrilling games to start the postseason:

The experience paid off, as Keith nailed a one-timer from just in front of the blue line to send the Blackhawks home winners. It certainly wasn't the hardest shot of the game, but it did the trick and delivered a crushing blow to the home team.

The NHL passed along the highlight:

Veteran teams make veteran plays when postseason games are on the line, and that is exactly what Chicago did Wednesday.

What's Next?

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Game 2 in this series is Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET, right back in Nashville.

The biggest question hovering over that contest will be how the Predators respond to such a gut-wrenching loss in the first game. If the Blackhawks jump out to an early lead, it would only be natural for doubt to creep in for the home team.

Another factor to watch will be the goalie situation for Chicago.

Crawford is the typical starter, but Darling saved Game 1 for the Blackhawks and put his team in position to take command of this series on the road. Sometimes, a hot goalie is all a squad needs to ride deep into the postseason.

However, Lazerus believes Crawford will be back between the pipes Friday:

Regardless of who plays goalie in the next game, Wednesday was a statement victory for the Blackhawks.