Nashville Doesn't Seem As Fun As Detroit

Last season, the Blackhawks had a key home and home series with the rival Red Wings around this time. They were right there in the Central division, but lost both games against Detroit, including the Winter Classic.

Chicago is leading the division and conference this year, and they began an important home and home series with Nashville on a good note. The Blackhawks beat the second-place Predators 4 to 1 and are now 6 points ahead in the division standings. Nashville, currently, is a better team than Detroit. The Red Wings have dealt with injuries to their top players, and it is Nashville that has been Chicago's toughest competitor.

The Blackhawks earned two shutouts over the Red Wings earlier this week, and they basically dominated the team that has developed a dynasty over the years. The Red Wings were the team that Chicago had to beat in order to get to that next level, but lately, the victories over Detroit haven't been too difficult.

Nashville is Detroit right now, but that was easy too. Chicago has another game with the Predators on Sunday night, and the United Center fans will be rocking and rolling once again on Madison street. While the Predators have been a good hockey team, it does not seem right that they are the second-best team in the division.

When Detroit gets healthy again, they should return to the postseason and continue to to be a tough team. Chicago knows that and wants to take advantage of the weaker Red Wings team before Detroit gets back to their normal winning ways.

For now, the Predators are the team to beat, and Chicago took care of business this evening. They play Nashville tomorrow for the final time this season, and a win could give Chicago an 8-point lead in the division.

Important wins against Nashville, though, do not sound as cool as crucial wins against Detroit. The Blackhawks don't mind, though, as long as they continue to put wins in the standings.