Predators ‘D’ puts clamps on ’Hawks

Are you familiar with Chelsea Dagger? You’d probably know it if you heard it. The 2006 pop song, performed by The Fratellis, is the Chicago Blackhawks’ goal song and the anthem of their resurgence, providing the soundtrack to their three Stanley Cups in the last seven years.

Its “duh-da-da, duh-da-da” hook burrows into your ears and can drive visiting teams to distraction. The Nashville Predators are the first NHL team to prevent the playing of Chelsea Dagger in consecutive playoff games.

OK, so that won’t appear in any record book. In reality, the Predators are the third team ever to record consecutive playoff shutouts in Chicago and the first in 15 years. Nashville also is the fifth team to open a postseason with back-to-back road shutout wins.

“I don’t think I would’ve planned for that,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said.

No one planned for the Predators to lead this series after two games, either. If they want to expand that lead and potentially sweep the Blackhawks, they will have to do it again in Game 3 on Monday at Bridgestone Arena.

Saturday’s 5-0 effort was perhaps the clearest example of the Predators’ preferred identity this season. They were fast and relentless, attacking more than they did in Game 1 and playing defense by hogging the puck.

“They have some of the best players in the league over there,” Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis said. “You need to try your best to limit any chances, any puck possession, anything you can.”

The outstanding play of Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has commanded attention. He’s the first NHL goaltender in seven years to start a playoff series with two shutouts, making 59 total saves in Games 1 and 2.

Nashville has prevented Chicago from establishing consistent net-front presence and cleanly entering the offensive zone, confining most of the Blackhawks’ attack to less-dangerous areas.

When the puck has found its way to Rinne, the Predators have quickly cleared it, eliminating second-chance opportunities.

“They box out, let me see the puck,” Rinne said. “Like (Saturday), there wasn’t probably one shot where I didn’t see it. Guys (have) been doing a really good job in front of me.”

“They box out, let me see the puck. ... Guys (have) been doing a really good job in front of me.” Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, who shut out the Blackhawks twice in Chicago