THE MATCHUP

Chicago Blackhawks: 50-23-9, 1st in Central

Nashville Predators: 41-29-12,

4th in Central

Chicago: It’s hard to believe the Blackhawks spent a good chunk of the season chasing the Minnesota Wild, but they appear to be peaking at the right time and should get a boost from the expected return of second-line centre Artem Anisimov, who should be reunited with Patrick Kane (34 goals, 89 points) and Artemi Panarin (31 goals, 74 points) after missing time due to injury. Duncan Keith had 52 points in 80 games while averaging 25:37 of ice time to anchor the defence. The goaltending is solid and this group knows what it takes to win when the pressure is on.

Nashville: Revamped by the addition of defenceman P.K. Subban from the Montreal Canadiens in the blockbuster summer deal for Shea Weber, this team has the type of skill that prior teams have lacked. Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg drive the bus offensively and have been supported by breakout performer Viktor Arvidsson, who tied for the team lead in goals and points. Goalie Pekka Rinne won 31 games this season and is looking to go on a long playoff run. Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm, coupled with Subban, have the skating ability and smarts to contain the Blackhawks’ highpowered weapons.

Who wins? A good chunk of the core from championship teams in 2010, 2013 and 2015 remains and experience should serve them well in this matchup. The Predators pushed the Blackhawks to six games in both 2010 and 2015, but a firstround upset is not in the cards this spring. Blackhawks in six.

Season series: Blackhawks won 4-1

All- time playoff series:

Blackhawks are 2- 0

Chicago’s key player: F Jonathan Toews. The captain has 39 goals (including 10 game-winners) and 108 points in 124 playoff games. Few players reach his level of determination.

Nashville’s key player: F Colin Wilson. The speedy winger raises his play when it counts, producing 10 goals, 18 points during the past 20 playoff tilts.

Blackhawks lineup

Nick Schmaltz, Jonathan Toews, Richard Panik

Artemi Panarin, Artem Anisimov, Patrick Kane

Ryan Hartman, Marcus Kruger, Marian Hossa

John Hayden, Tanner Kero, Jordin Tootoo

Defensive pairings

Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjarlmarsson Johnny Oduya, Brent Seabrook Brian Campbell, Trevor van Riemsdyk

Goalies

Corey Crawford Scott Darling

Predators lineup

Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Viktor Arvidsson

Colin Wilson, Mike Fisher, Craig Smith

Kevin Fiala, Calle Jarnkrok, James Neal

Cody McLeod, Austin Watson, PA Parenteau

Defensive pairings

Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis Mattias Ekholm, P.K. Subban Anthony Bitteto, Matt Irwin

Goalies

Pekka Rinne Jusse Saros