One away.
After grabbing a 3-0 series lead, the Nashville Predators needs just one more win to close out their opening-round series against the Chicago Blackhawks. That task shifts all of the burden to the Music City club, according to Chicago coach Joel Quenneville.
"It's up to them. They've got to win," Quenneville said. "We're in an awful spot and we've got to go in there with nothing to basically lose. Definitely the pressure is on them."
The Blackhawks held home ice advantage, but dropped both games in Chicago before losing Game 3 in overtime in Nashville. The Predators have a chance to pull off the sweep at home Thursday.
A series win would mark just the fourth in Predators history, with none of its previous victories finishing faster than five games. The Blackhawks haven't been swept since 1993.
"To find a way to get back into it, you've got to look at the real short-term, the small picture, and try to get tomorrow's momentum back," Quenneville added.
The Blackhawks nearly pulled off the rare comeback in 2011, when down 0-3 to the Vancouver Canucks. Chicago stormed back with three straight wins only to fall in overtime of Game 7.
Just four teams in NHL history have climbed back from 0-3 deficits, the most recent coming in 2014 when the Los Angeles Kings upset the San Jose Sharks.
Quenneville noted the Blackhawks will need everyone to contribute if they are to make the historic comeback, adding the team needs the most from its top players.
Captain Jonathan Toews has just one point through three games, while star winger Patrick Kane has a single goal. All together, the Blackhawks have managed just two goals in three games.
"We always find that when we're in tough spots, our top guys always find a way to lead the charge and find a way to overcome all obstacles," Quenneville said. "We're going to need them but we need everybody else too because it's a tough challenge."
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