The Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks will face off in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third time ever and second time since 2015.
The series will open next week in Chicago - with the official schedule set to be released Sunday evening - but in the meantime here is instant analysis on the upcoming series, from a look at the five-game season series, four things that will define the playoff matchup and X-factors for both teams.
Instant Analysis: Preds and Hawks Meet in Round One
Preds and Hawks Meet in Postseason for Third Time; Second Time Since 2015
© Nashville Predators
© Bruce Bennett
© John Russell
© Bill Smith
© John Russell
© John Russell
© John Russell