Blackhawks and Blue Jackets Eliminated

Two more teams advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs after winning their series on April 20th. The defending Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins sent the Columbus Blue Jackets home, and for the second year in a row, the Chicago Blackhawks are out in the first round after being decisively beaten by the Nashville Predators in four straight.

The Blackhawks were the top seed in the Western Conference but certainly didn’t look like it against Nashville. To say that Chicago’s offense was anemic would be giving it too much credit; the team scored a total of three goals in the four games, although credit should also be given to the Predator’s defense and the stellar play of goalie Pekka Rinne. With two straight early playoff exits despite having what looks like one of the better rosters in the NHL, the Blackhawks have to be asking themselves what kind of retooling they need to do in the off season.

Nashville will play the winner of the Minnesota Wild—St. Louis Blue series in the second round. The Blues lead the Wild 3-1 and can wrap it up on April 22nd in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Columbus lost to the Penguins 5-2 as Pittsburgh took that series 4-1. The young Blue Jackets went from last place in the Metropolitan Division with 76 points last season to 108 points this season. Pittsburgh will face the winner of the Washington Capitals—Toronto Maple Leafs series in Round 2; that series is tied at two games each.