The Blackhawks started their eight game home winning streak against Nashville,and the Predators ended it with a 4-1 win Friday night in the United Center. Preds Goalie Dan Ellis was the difference with 34 saves. The Hawks only goal was a spectacuar one by Jonathan Toews at 11:50 of the game,but even though the Hawks kept up the pressure all night,either Ellis came up big,or the Hawk shooters simply misfired.Nashville tied it at 17:04 of the first period on a slapshot by Dan Hamhuis. The only second period talley was on a shot by Jason Tootoo that hit Martin Erats leg and deflected past Cristobal Huet who was screened. That proved to be the game winner. Tootoo and Joel Ward each scored in the final three minutes of the game,clinched it.

NOTES—The Hawks have their only meeting of the season with defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh on the road Saturday night…..The Hawks outscored Nashille 35-23.

LES